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6.1.A. - Page 10 <br /> Mayor Aguirre thanked Mr. Ekern, Stanford, the community, everyone involved, and her <br /> colleagues. She stated that she had hoped before that Stanford would be visible in the <br /> community, and she felt they have been. She said that the benefits from this <br /> development would spread beyond Redwood City and Palo Alto. She further mentioned <br /> that as she sees things regionally, these partnerships, business and education, are <br /> models for other cities. The Mayor also said she was excited about the benefits to the <br /> children and education. <br /> City Manager Bell followed up with the next steps for moving forward. He would like to <br /> circle back with the Subcommittee, close the loop with Stanford. He also mentioned <br /> that this will go to the Planning Commission and then to the Council. Mr. Ekern <br /> additionally stated that he would like to get this information to the Planning Commission <br /> in late May or June, and then to bring it back to Council in the following months. Dr. Bell <br /> said that they would try to get this to Council in one of the summer Council meetings. <br /> 9. STAFF REPORT(S) <br /> A. Housing Element 2012 Annual Progress Update <br /> Recommendation: <br /> Consider the Housing Element 2012 Annual Progress Report before sending <br /> the report to the Department of Housing and Community Development. <br /> Maureen Riordan, Senior Planner, discussed the progress made so far this year. She <br /> spoke about the Housing Element background; its importance, such as being a <br /> qualifying for grants; and six basic housing element requirements. Ms. Riordan <br /> mentioned that Department of Housing and Community Development, determines what <br /> housing is needed, and Redwood City needs 1,856 units. She brought up that there are <br /> challenges to provide affordable housing, such as losing redevelopment funding. <br /> Ms. Riordan also said that the City has made significant strides in providing affordable <br /> housing, such as streamlining the permit process and increasing house densities and <br /> height limits. She also brought up other affordable housing tools such as the Precise <br /> Plans, Development Agreements, Density Bonus Ordinances, and the Developer <br /> Initiative. Ms. Riordan discussed different housing projects. <br /> Ms. Riordan also remarked that the City has made progress, but more can be done. <br /> Staff will work on the 21 elements to address affordable housing in the wake of the loss <br /> of redevelopment funding. Ms. Riordan talked about bringing to Council in the future <br /> the Reasonable Accommodation Ordinance and a study session concerning Community <br /> Benefits with regards to the housing program. One Council Member thanked <br /> Ms. Riordan for the well thought-out and concise information. This Council Member is <br /> hoping that the slides should/will be placed on the City's website, so that people can <br /> know what the City is doing about this housing issue. She also felt that Redwood City <br /> has done a great job, but more can be done. <br /> Another Council Member said that she was glad to see the different levels of housing, <br /> and that it was good timing that this information came out in relation to future discussion <br /> on community benefits. She also pointed out that people can see how the State is <br /> CTY COUNCIL April 8, 2013 <br /> MEETING MINUTES PAGE 10 <br />