DATE: September 6, 2022
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Steven E. White, Director
Department of Public Works and Planning
SUBJECT: Presentation on the Fresno County Multi-Jurisdictional 6th Cycle Housing Element Update
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Receive presentation on the Fresno County Multi-Jurisdictional 6th Cycle Housing Element Update.
REPORT
The presentation will provide your Board information regarding the Fresno County Multi-Jurisdictional 6th Cycle Housing Element Update, including providing an overview of the Housing Element Update process and schedule, new laws enacted, and gathering initial input on potential housing issues and opportunities. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
There is no viable alternative action.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no additional Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. Funding for the County’s share to prepare its Housing Element Update was previously authorized by your Board on April 5, 2022, and is included in the fiscal year 2022-2023 County budget.
DISCUSSION:
Since 1969, California has required local governments (cities and counties) to adequately plan to meet the housing needs of everyone in the community. The Housing Element is one of eight mandatory elements required to be included in a General Plan and must be updated every 8 years. Fresno County last updated its Housing Element in 2016. Fresno County, along with the majority of its 15 cities, have initiated preparation of a Multi-Jurisdictional 6th Cycle Housing Element Update in order to meet the state-imposed adoption deadline of December 31, 2023.
The purpose of the Housing Element is to establish a comprehensive plan to address the housing needs in the unincorporated areas of Fresno County. The Housing Element addresses the housing needs of all economic segments of the County, including very-low, low, moderate-, and above moderate-income households, including and populations with special housing needs.
On April 5, 2022, your Board adopted a resolution committing to participate in a coordinated effort led by the Fresno Council of Governments (COG) that includes the majority of the 15 cities in the preparation of a Multi-Jurisdictional 6th Cycle Housing Element. This effort is intended to result in a better coordinated effort to address the housing needs in Fresno County along with cost savings to all of its participants.
The presentation will provide your Board with an overview of the required sections of the Housing Element and the timeline to meet the State’s December 31, 2023 deadline. It will also provide an overview of several key changes to state laws that must be addressed in the 6th Cycle Housing Element and some specific strategies to ensure the County’s Housing Element meets all legal requirements and is ultimately accepted by the State.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI #46, April 5, 2022
BAI #21, March 15, 2016
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
6th Cycle Housing Element Presentation
CAO ANALYST:
Salvador Espino