TITLE
Recommendation to request City Attorney and City Manager to return to the City Council in 90 days with a report on approaches to strengthen the local housing preference program in new and existing residential developments. Additionally, request that this 90-day process include discussions with community stakeholders, such as The Long Beach Housing Development Company, Legal Aid and developers.
DISCUSSION
Per state law, 20% of all Redevelopment dollars are set aside to fund affordable or workforce housing.
When these housing developments open, the city conducts an outreach effort to local residents before opening up the new housing to applicants who do not live in Long Beach. The city estimates that approximately 60% of new affordable units go to people who live or work in Long Beach at the time of application.
That means that approximately 40% of our affordable or workforce housing stock goes to residents who do not live or work in Long Beach.
Creating a stronger local preference for our residents and workers would ensure that we are addressing our local housing needs and that city resources are serving our residents first, recognizing that a combination of local, state and federal money is used to fund new developments.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
ROBERT GARCIA
COUNCILMEMBER, FIRST DISTRICT
GARY DELONG
COUNCILMEMBER, THIRD DISTRICT