TITLE
Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into record, conclude the public hearing, and confirm the Proposed 2021-2029 General Plan Housing Element (Proposed Plan), and provide direction to the Department of Development Services to finalize the Proposed Plan, and submit to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for further comment and processing. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
For nearly two years, the Department of Development Services Planning Bureau (Bureau) has worked to update the General Plan Housing Element (Housing Element) for the 2021-2029 planning period. State law requires each city and county in California to have a state-approved Housing Element that must be updated and adopted on a prescribed schedule every eight years. Since Summer 2020, staff have engaged the community through a variety of virtual events and opportunities to provide feedback and input that has shaped the Housing Element, as will be described in this report. On April 6, 2021, the City Council conducted a study session with a focus on the Available Sites Inventory methodology and results, because the Housing Element Site Inventory is central to the City of Long Beach’s (City) ability to demonstrate it can meet its required housing allocation under State law. Based on the Housing Element Site Inventory, combined with an in-depth analysis of community housing needs, community input, and research on best practices, a draft Housing Element update was developed and released for public review on July 9, 2021.
On August 5, 2021, the Planning Commission held a study session on the Housing Element. On September 17, 2021, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) provided a formal comment letter on the Housing Element, which outlined required changes to the document prior to certification by the State. Subsequent changes have been made to the Housing Element to address this feedback. On October 7, 2021, the Planning Commission ...
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