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HomeMy WebLinkAbout85A - RESO - SUPPORT HOUSING FUTURES INITRESOLUTION NO. 2016- A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF XXXXXXXX, CALIFORNIA, IN SUPPORT OF THE HOUSING FUTURES INITIATIVE BY THE BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER WHEREAS, in 2014 the Building Industry Association Orange County Chapter, in collaboration with the Orange County Business Council (OCBC) embarked on the Housing Futures Initiative to reverse the trend of losing Orange County's young adults and diverse workforce due to high housing costs by offering a road map for the creation of new housing options that is attainable and meets the needs of our local cities and economies; WHEREAS, in 2015, $141,000 is the annual minimum qualifying income to afford a median - priced home in Orange County, and $66,000 annually to lease a typical two - bedroom apartment in Orange County; WHEREAS, due to the high cost of living, the Orange County region is losing 7% of individuals in the 25 -34 age range while surrounding counties are showing an increase; WHEREAS, due to the lack of affordable housing, 6,210 existing homes are at risk of losing affordability in the next five years, and 91% of homes are unaffordable to teachers; WHEREAS, powered by more than 1,100 member companies, the BIA /OC is committed to supporting the creation of housing at all levels of affordability as the foundation of vibrant and sustainable communities; WHEREAS, through collaboration with local stakeholders, Community Members and Business Partners, the six recommendations set forth in The Initiative are designed to promote and encourage the development of a broad range of housing at all levels of affordability, and are as follows; Existing Opportunities: Existing General Plans and zoning documents provide opportunities to build homes that can be offered at lower price points. These opportunities need to be identified and promoted to stakeholders. Modernize Zoning: A greater variety of housing can be provided by adopting flexible development standards and modernizing zoning. Specifically, changes should be designed to provide housing that attracts individuals who are leaving Orange County due to a lack of affordable housing: individuals 25 - 34, and Boomers. 85A -1 • Create New Incentives: Simple steps - such as a reduction in building setbacks or parking requirements - can be taken to attract development of income - restricted housing. • Expedite The Process: Streamlining the development process for housing that meets an underserved need can be accomplished by fast - tracking permits and even pre- approving EIRs for residential property. A menu of strategies can be provided to municipalities. • Match Housing with Transportation: Key demographics needing affordable housing often desire -or need - access to transportation services. An emphasis should be placed on locating affordable new home opportunities near train stations, bus stops and other forms of public transportation. • Enlist Community and Business Partners: Creating housing that meets the needs of all Orange County is a challenge for all of Orange County - not just local governments and the building industry. As such, partnerships with the BIA and other stakeholders should be created to identify and advocate for affordable housing solutions. NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Santa Ana resolves as follows: Section 1: In recognition of the positive impact The Housing Futures Initiative will have on the local community and economy, we formally affirm our support for The Housing Futures Initiative and the benefits that it provides the County of Orange. 85A -2