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age). It also estimates supply gaps for state-subsidized care for very low-income <br />families. Without new supply, a current shortage of 1,105 spaces for all ages is <br />projected to increase to 1,756 by 2025. Loss of licensed Family Child Care Home <br />supply due to the housing shortage and centers whose leases are not renewed could <br />add to this supply gap. The demand estimate includes a small percent of out-of-county <br />residents who work in Redwood City. <br /> <br />After presenting this data, Brion will share findings from the countywide study that apply <br />to Redwood City. A diverse set of recommendations reflect the complexity of this issue; <br />there is no “silver bullet” to solve this challenge. City policy changes, collaborations with <br />other public and private entities, and various financing mechanisms are alternatives to <br />be discussed. <br /> <br />Assessment of potential sites countywide revealed numerous development challenges <br />including: zoning and permitting, building codes, state licensing regulations and outdoor <br />space needs, lack of land, cost and financing, and neighborhood opposition. In addition <br />to the issues identified by. Brion, Redwood City staff note that the California <br />Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires a detailed review for most applications, <br />further delaying the process for child care providers. Few potential sites for new centers <br />were identified in the Redwood City area, and all potential sites have significant barriers <br />to development. In other communities, school district and church properties were most <br />often identified. While there has been relatively little interest in this approach in <br />Redwood City in recent years, new opportunities may emerge as school districts, in <br />particular, consider amenities to attract and retain teachers and staff. <br /> <br />Recommendations that pertain to Redwood City include: <br />· Leveraging opportunities within new development <br />· Encouraging large employers to participate in and provide child care facilities for <br />their employees and community residents, and <br />· Considering financing and planning mechanisms including local taxes, impact <br />fees, and/or use of community benefit programs such as Partnership Redwood <br />City and development agreements. <br /> <br /> Based on the presentation, the City Council could choose to: <br /> <br />1. Add “Child Care” to the Community Benefits consideration when engaging with <br />developers. <br />2. Encourage State legislators to study CEQA exemptions for commercial child care <br />facilities. <br />3. Direct staff to study the re-use of existing City facilities for child care purposes. <br />This could include the re-use of the Community Activities Building or the YMCA <br />on Hudson Street if the joint use Veterans Memorial Senior Center-YMCA Project <br />ultimately proceed. <br />4. Use the 2x2x2 City Council and School District meetings to discuss child care <br />sites on school properties. <br />8.C. - Page 2