July 5, 2024
Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors
70 West Hedding Street
East Wing, 10th Floor
San Jose, CA 95110
RE: Bay Area Housing Finance Authority (BAHFA) Regional Affordable Housing Bond – Request for Local Expenditure Plan
Dear Board of Supervisors:
As the Mayors of 12 of the Cities of Santa Clara County, we respectfully request that you expedite a local expenditure plan to describe how the Bay Area Housing Finance Authority (BAHFA) Regional Housing Bond funds on the November 2024 ballot will be used. We understand that conversations have begun between BAHFA, the County of Santa Clara, and local cities and we urge that these continue consistent with the proposed steps below.
The bond measure, which aims to address critical housing needs in the area, represents a significant investment in affordable housing for our region. To ensure its success and maximize community support, it is crucial that the County establish a clear and transparent process for the allocation and management of the funds. This process should reflect the diverse needs and priorities of all the cities within our county.
Although the County’s local expenditure plan does not need to be approved at a publicly noticed meeting until 2025, we request that the County engage with cities in the development of the plan.
We propose the following steps to achieve this goal:
1. Formation of a Joint Committee
Work with the Santa Clara Cities Association to establish a joint committee composed of representatives from the County Board of Supervisors and city representatives. This committee would be responsible for developing a framework for the equitable distribution of the bond funds, ensuring that all cities have a voice in the decision-making process.
2. Transparent Criteria
Develop transparent criteria for fund disbursement that prioritizes projects based on factors such as population, community impact, alignment with county-wide goals, regional housing needs, and helping cities meet their Housing Element requirements. Criteria should be clear about impact to property owners. This will help ensure that the funds are used effectively and equitably.
3. Oversight and Accountability
Implement robust oversight mechanisms, including regular progress reports and audits, to monitor the use of the bond funds. This will promote accountability, transparency and build public trust in the management of the bond measure.
Attachment 1
Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors
July 5, 2024
Housing is still a need in the County despite voter approval of the 2016 Measure A Housing Bond. By partnering with the cities within our county, we can leverage local expertise and ensure that the bond measure addresses the unique needs of each community. This collaborative approach will not only enhance the effectiveness of the bond measure but also support a strong relationship between county and city governments.
We appreciate your consideration of this proposal and look forward to the opportunity to work together for the betterment of our region.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Larry Klein
Mayor
Lisa M. Gillmor
Mayor
Sheila Mohan
Mayor
Marie Blankley
Mayor
City of Gilroy
Carmen Montano
Mayor
Evert Wolsheimer
Mayor
Los Altos Los Altos Hills
Mark Turner
Mayor
Pat Showalter
Mayor
Greer Stone
Mayor
Yan Zhao
Mayor
Saratoga
Attachment 1