AgdaPkt 2014-08-25 Closed and Joint with SA and Planning Amended

Browse Search

9.A. - Page 1 REPORT To the Honorable Mayor and City Council From the City Manager August 25, 2014 SUBJECT Joint City Council/Planning Commission Session on Housing Issues and Constraints RECOMMENDATION Discuss housing issues and constraints with a panel of housing developers and policy specialists and the public. No other action is recommended at this time. BACKGROUND Lack of affordable housing has become a critical issue in both Redwood City and the region. Housing costs in San Mateo County continue to rise, primarily in response to unprecedented demand and a limited supply. Furthermore, the loss of the Redevelopment Agencies have left California cities without the primary tool used to ensure construction of affordable housing. While the City is pursuing a Community Benefits Ordinance and participating in a Countywide Housing Nexus Study to address that loss, a public discussion on housing issues and constraints would also be helpful to the community to understand and learn more about housing issues and constraints. ANALYSIS The purpose of this joint study session is to discuss housing issues and constraints with a panel of housing experts that are in the business of creating and developing a diversity of housing ranging from planning and design, construction, property management and public policy. The panel consists of: • Ardie Zahedani, Vice President of Development, St Anton Communities • Jan Lindenthal, Vice President of Real Estate with MidPen Housing Corporation • Pilar Lorenzana-Campo, Regional Policy Manager with Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California • Rick Williams, Architect, Van Meter Williams Pollack Each member of the panel will give a 3-5 minute presentation and be available to answer questions and continue the discussion with the Planning Commission, City Council and the public.