HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 02122002 - C33 0,33
TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 4 _ . Contra
'- Costa
FROM: Dennis M. Barry,AICP County
Community Development Director ,
DATE: February 12, 2002
SUBJECT: Senate Bill 1227 (Dutra), $2 Billion Affordable Housing Bond
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATIONS(S) &BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATIONS
ADOPT position in support of SB 1227 (Dutra)which would place a$2 billion bond measure on the State
ballot in November 2002 to fund affordable housing, and AUTHORIZE the Chair to execute letters of support
to the author and the County's legislative delegation.
FISCAL IMPACT
No General Fund impact.
BACKGROUND/REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS
On December 18, 2001 the Board of Supervisors adopted the County's 2002 State legislative program. The
program identifies an action to support efforts to expand the availability of affordable housing, including state
issuance of private activity bonds, affordable and low-income housing bond measures, low-income housing tax
credits, and state infrastructure financing. This recommendation is consistent with the adopted legislative
program.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: X YES SIGNATURE:
_RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR_ MMEN TION OF BO
COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
I
SIGNATURE(S):
ACTION
OF BOARD ON Febmuy 12, 2002 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED X OTHER
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A
UNANIMOUS (ABSENT None ) TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF AN
AYES: NOES: ACTION TAKEN AND ENTERED ON THE
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
Contact: Jim Kennedy, 335-1255 ATTESTED February 12, 2002
Orig: Community Development JOHN SWEETEN, CLERK
cc: County Administrator OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
County Counsel AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
Auditor-Controller
BY ,DEPUTY
There is an extreme shortage of rental housing in Contra Costa County,particularly for lower income renters.
Less than 20 percent of the rental stock is affordable to renter households earning no more than 50 percent of
the area median income. There are 1,275 public housing units countywide and a waiting list of over 4,363
households. The average vacancy rate for rental housing is less than three percent. As a result,more than one-
third of County households must overpay for housing, including 44 percent of renters and 31 percent of owners.
The situation is especially urgent for individuals and families moving in and out of homelessness. According to
the Contra Costa Continuum of Care Plan, at least 14,700 people in Contra Costa County experience an episode
of homelessness annually, with 4,000 people homeless on any given night. The most rapidly increasing segment
of the homeless population is families with children.
The proposed allocation for the $2 billion bond is as follows:
$890 million for the Multifamily Housing,Program. Funds deferred payment loans to local governments,non-
profit developers and for-profit developers for new construction,rehabilitation and preservation of permanent
and transitional rental housing for lower income households.
$195 million the Emergency Housing Assistance Program. Funds grants to counties and non-profits entities to
finance emergency shelters for homeless individuals and families. Funds may be used for rehab,renovation,
expansion, site acquisition and equipment.
$195 million for Supportive Housing_ Funds the production of supportive housing for persons who have
mental illness and are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless.
$200 million for Farm Worker HousingL Funds grants to local governments and non-profits for any
construction related costs in the development of homeowner or rental housing for agricultural workers,
including land acquisition, site development, construction, and rehabilitation.
$200 million for the CalHome Program Provides grants and loans to local governments or non-profits for
downpayment assistance,home rehab, counseling, self-help mortgage assistance programs, or technical
assistance for self-help and shared housing. Funds may be used for purchase of property, site development,
predevelopment and permanent financing for mutual housing or cooperative developments.
$290 million for the California Homebuyer DownpgMent Assistance Program. Aids first-time homebuyer
with down payment and/or closing costs.
$30 million for Code Enforcement. Funds financial grants to cities and counties to improve their building code
enforcement activities, enhance their administrative and judicial prosecutions, and coordinate all housing
improvement agencies.
The Board of Supervisors Ont� John Sweeten
Clerk of the Board
CountyAdministration Buildingand
Costa(�o�+t LG. County Administrator
651 Pine Street,Boom 106 (925)335-1900
Martinez,California 94553-1293 County
o nt
John Giola,1st District
Gayle B.Ullkema,2nd District - -
Donna Gerber,3rd District
Mark DeSaulnier,4th District n,
Federal Glover,5th District
tt
February 19,2002
The Honorable John Dutra
California Assembly
State Capitol
PO Box 942849
Sacramento,CA 94249--0001
Dear Assembly Member Dutra:
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors has expressed its strong support for Senate Bill 1227,which
would place a$2 billion bond on the State ballot in November 2002 to fund affordable housing. Based on
Contra Costa County's affordable housing plans,over 30 percent of the households in Contra Costa are in need
of housing assistance to alleviate problems of overcrowding,a lack of affordability and/or substandard housing
conditions.
As you know,California is second to last in the notion in homeownership rates.In Contra Costa County,only
families above the moderate-income level can afford the median price of a home.
There is also an extreme shortage of rental housing in Contra Costa County,particularly for lower income
renters. Less than 20 percent of the rental stock is affordable to renter households earning no more than 50
percent of the area median income.There are 1,275 public housing units countywide and a waiting list of over
4,363 households. The average vacancy rate for rental housing is less than three percent.As a result,more
than one-third of County households must overpay for housing,including 44 percent of renters and 31 percent
of owners.
The situation is especially urgent for individuals and families moving in and out of homelessness. According to
the Contra Costa Continuum of Care Plan,at least 14,700 people in Contra Costa County experience an episode
of homelessness annually,with 4,000 people homeless on any given night. The most rapidly increasing segment
of the homeless population is'families with children.
The funds from this bond would enable Contra Costa County to create and preserve much needed affordable
housing. In addition,this money would provide a boost to the State's economy as we attempt to rebound from
last year's difficulties.
W:personal\letters\sb1227.2.02
T can be reached at(925)335-1255,if you have any questions. Thank you for your leadership in supporting
this important affordable housing legislation.
Sincerely,
John Gioia
Chair, Board of Supervisors
cc: Jim Kennedy,Community Development Department
Sara Hoffman,County Administrator's Office
Les Spahn; Heim, Noack, Kelly Spahn
Min
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