Redwood City Considers Adoption of Housing Element

The following is a news release from the city of Redwood City:

The City Council of Redwood City has scheduled a public hearing to consider adoption of the draft 2015 - 2023 Housing Element, as an amendment to the City’s General Plan. The Housing Element is one of seven required elements of the General Plan. It addresses existing and future housing needs of persons in all economic segments and serves as a tool for decision-makers and the public in understanding and meeting housing needs in Redwood City.

Interested community members are invited and encouraged to attend the City Council’s public hearing scheduled for:

Monday, October 20, 2014, 7 pm

City Hall, Council Chambers

1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City

The Redwood City Planning Commission reviewed the draft Housing Element at itsmeeting of September 16, and is forwarding it to the City Council with a recommendation for adoption. On October 20 there will be ample opportunity for interested community members to comment on the proposed adoption.

State law requires cities to identify how and where the housing needs of their community will be met - this is accomplished by completing the city’s Housing Element, which is a blueprint for future housing development in the city. It includes goals, policies, and programs that direct residential decision-making. Under State law, a city’s Housing Element is required to:

1. Evaluate the City’s existing housing policies and programs.
2. Conduct a housing needs assessment based on local demographics and
   housing conditions.
3. Develop goals, objectives and policies defining the community’s position on
   housing issues and setting measurable targets for meeting housing needs.
4. Develop an inventory of potential sites where housing may be constructed.
5. Analyze any obstacles or constraints to housing production in the community.
6. Create an action plan identifying implementing programs the city or other
   entities will implement to achieve our housing objectives.

Producing the draft Housing Element included a significant community and stakeholder input process which engaged elected officials, appointed City commission and committee members, key stakeholders, planning specialists, and Redwood City residents.

The 2015 - 2023 Housing Element will further the implementation of Redwood City’s housing vision that was expressed in the 2007 - 2014 Housing Element. The community is invited to attend the Public Hearing on October 20 and offer input for the Council’s consideration. The draft Housing Element can be viewed online now, and the staff report for this public hearing will be available online by Friday, October 17.

Visit Redwood City’s award-winning website at www.redwoodcity.org for information about the City and its services, the community, recreation programs, education, and local business. Subscribe to Redwood City’s newsletters and other City documents atwww.redwoodcity.org/newsletters.

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