HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-12-12; Housing Commission; ; HOUSING COMMISSION WORK PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019-2020Meet ing Date:
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Subject:
HOUSING COMMISSION
Dec. 12,2019
Housing Commission
David de Cordova, Principal Planner
David de Cordova, Principal Planner
david.decordova@carlsbadca.gov, 760-434-2935
Housing Commission Work Plan for Fi scal Year 2019-20
Recommended Action
Review and recommend approval of the Calendar Yea r 2020 Housing Commission Work Plan
and amendments to Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 2.40.060 regarding the functions of the
Housing Commission.
Executive Summary
Carlsbad Municipal Code (CMC) Section 2.15.020 (C) requires that each board or commission
provide to the City Council for its approval an annual work plan of activities to be undertaken.
On Sept. 26, 2019, the Housing Commiss ion (Commission) conducted a special meeting to
brainstorm ideas for the Commission's work plan. Discussion at that meeting and subsequent
commissioner comments were utilized by st aff to prepare the attached draft work plan and
amendments to CMC 2.40.060 regarding Commission functions (Exhibit 1).
Discussion
In 2018, the City Council revised the CMC to create uniform policies and procedures related to
boa rds and commissions. CMC Section 2.15.020 (C) requires that each board or commission
provide to the City Council for its approval an annual work plan of activities to be undertaken.
The purpose of the work plan is to encourage increased dialogue between the Com mission and
the City Council. It is also intended to ensure that the Commission is working in line w ith the
priorities of the City Council.
Staff considered a number of factors in preparing the draft work plan: 1) alignment with City
Council priorities; 2) the Housing Commission functions as set forth in CMC 2.40; 3) regular and
recurring business anticipated in the next 12 months (e.g., review and recommendation of
Public Housing Agency plans); 4) the Sept. 26, 2019 Housi ng Commission brainstorming session
and supplemental commissioner comments (Exhibit 2); and 5) staff resou rces avai lable to
support the work plan. Staff requests that the Commission review and discuss t he draft, modify
if necessary, and make a reco mmendation t o City Council for its approval.
Based on Commissioner f eedback, an amendment to CMC Section 2.40.060 was prepared along
with the work plan to clarify that homelessness issues are included in withi n t he Housing
Commission's functions.
Next Steps
After the Comm ission's review and accept ance, the work plan and municipal code amendment
will be forwarded to the City Council for their review and approval.
Fiscal Analysis
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with approving this work plan.
Environmental Evaluation (CEQA)
Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21065, this action does not constitute a "project"
within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in that it has no
potential to cause either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably
foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and therefore does not require
environmental review.
Public Notification and Outreach
This item was noticed in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act and was available for public
viewing and review at least 72 hours prior to scheduled meeting date.
Exhibits
1. Housing Commission Resolution
a. Draft Calendar Yea r 2020 Housing Commission Work Plan
b. Draft amendments to Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 2.40.060
2. Sept. 26, 2019 Specia l Housing Commission meeting minutes and additional commissioner
comments
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-006
A RESOLUTION OF THE HOUSING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF THE CALENDAR YEAR 2020
HOUSING COMMISSION WORK PLAN, AND AMENDMENTS TO CARLSBAD
MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 2.40.060 REGARDING THE FUNCTIONS OF THE
HOUSING COMMISSION.
EXHIBIT 1
WHEREAS, Chapter 2.15 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code (CMC) requires that each board or
commission provide to the City Council for its approval an annual work plan of activities to be undertaken
by the board or commission; and
WHEREAS, CMC Section 2.40.060 delineates the functions of the Housing Commission
(Commission); and
WHEREAS, at the Sept. 26, 2019 Special Housing Commission meeting, Housing and
Neighborhood Services staff facilitated a brainstorming session with the Commission, resulting in
suggestions for the content of a draft work plan, and amendments to CMC 2.40.060 clarifying that
Commission functions include advising on homelessness issues; and
WHEREAS, at the Dec. 12, 2019 Housing Commission meeting, Housing and Neighborhood
Services staff, with consideration given to Commission input, presented a draft Calendar Year 2020 Work
Plan that is consistent with the Commission functions as set forth in CMC Section 2.40.060 and as
proposed for amendment herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Housing· Commission of the City of Carlsbad,
California, as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
2. That the Housing Commission recommends approval of the Calendar Year 2020 Housing
Commission Work Plan and amendments to CMC Section 2.40.060, attached hereto as Attachment A
and Attachment B.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular Meeting of the Housing Commission of the City
of Carlsbad, California, California on the 12th day of December, 2019, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
John Nguyen-Cleary, Chairperson
CARLSBAD HOUSING COMMISSION
ATTEST:
David de Cordova
Principal Planner
I. Mission Statement
City of Carlsbad
Housing Commission Work Plan
Calendar Year 2020
ATTACHMENT A
The mission of the Housing Commission is to promote housing security and affordability for all
segments of our community, including lower income families and people with special housing and
supportive service needs.
II. Composition
The Housing Commission consists of five members who are appointed by the mayor and
confirmed by the city council. Members shall serve four-year terms.
Ill. 2020 Goals & Tasks
The Housing Commission will focus on the following goals and tasks: ,.
1. Support and advise the City Council regarding efforts to address affordable housing.
a. As needed throughput the.-¥ear, perform the functions of the Housing
Commission consistent wit~ Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 2.40.060,
including responsibilities for the Carlsbad Public Housing Authority.
b. Review and recommend for approval to City Council the Public Housing Agency
Five Year Plan for Fiscal Years 2020-2025, and the Annual Plan for Fiscal Year
2020.
c. Review and recommend for approval to City Council an affordable housing
resale program.
d. Examine housing policy questions as may be referred by the City Council.
2. Support and advise the City Council regarding efforts to address homelessness.
a. Receive a pr.esentation about homelessness in the north county region, the
character of homelessness within Carlsbad (i.e., demographic data from the
:•:
annual Point-in-Time Count and other data about our homeless), efforts to
address homelessness, and regional resources and facilities that support those
who are homeless and efforts to transition out of homelessness.
b. Receive a status update on the Homele_ss Response Plan and provide
recommendations for prioritization of actions or plan amendment, if
warranted.
c. If the City Council determines to participate, support the deve lopment of a
North County Homeless Action Plan, and assist the city in meeting its objectives
and commitments within such an Action Plan.
3. Monitor and participate in the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update.
a. Receive regular updates from the Housing Commission representative to the
Housing Element Advisory Committee (HEAC).
b. As appropriate, provide suggestions for HEAC consideration on items regarding
housing needs, resources, policies and programs.
c. Conduct a public hearing on the updated Housing Element and make a
recommendation to the City Council.
4. Improve understanding of housing programs, policies, and laws.
a. Participate in a legislative and policy update offered or arranged by the City of
Carlsbad.
b. Receive a status report of current Housjntl~jJfnent programs.
5. Facilitate communication with the City Cq.!;!6~~j~)j,;j:J:,e broader Carlsbad community
regarding matters which fall within th~.::GJMfu.issi~W%f~r,ctions.
a. After each Housing Commis~t6MM~eting, pro~mi1:ij;.~ummary memo to the City
Council reporting on meetJni.lftendance, items ~JH~~g~red by the commission,
and actions taken or reco~M:~ndations m.a.de to the "b(~:;Council. ·-:~:::::::.. ...;::::::::.. ·•-::::::::: ..
b. Prepare an annua_l work plan anq([P..r..es~f:itt{fCity Councff"fQt~pproval.
C. Report to City cqijij:~R:~nd public ·iwm%t:i·1 work plan acco.J¥1ishments.
d. Provide an annuift:;i=M@JJgJhe City l:B.~ofil on the status and progress of
affordable housing\liij~--h·JMil~~~~ess p;Jir:~.Q1S.
e. Pror11.Q.t~::~f.forts to ~¥tmize ·rmBUtB~fticip:Mj~p._in city-organized information
for:tiffiWWJf:bhops ancfti~.blic b.df1Mlft~l~tel:fo Goals 1-3 above.
·•:::)ff•'
Chapter 2.40 HOUSING COMMISSION
2.40.060 Functions.
ATTACHMENT B
A.,__ The housing commission shall advise and make recommendations to the community
development commission and/or the city council on the following matters:
___ IA. Establishment of, or amendment of affordable housing programs, policies and
regulations;
__1-B. Adoption of, or amendments to, the general plan housing element, and related strategies or
programs;
___ 3C. Review of project concept and affordability objectives of off-site combi ned projects as
defined by Chapter 21.85 of this code and located outside of the master plan area, specific plan
area or subdivision which has the inclusionary housing requirement;
__ f):f_. Requests for financial assistance and/or incentives fo r the development of affordable housing
projects;
__ €1. Requests to sell or purchase affordable housing cred its for transaction/purchases of I 0
credits or more to satisfy an inclusionary housing obligation ;
6. Establishm ent ot: or amendment of programs and services that aim to prevent. reduce and
manage homelessness in Carlsbad:
F __ 7. Other special assignments as requested by the community development commission and/or
city council as related to the development of affordable housing. homelessness programs. or_
regional and state policies and legislation .
.!1._ The commission shall annually report to the city council on the status and progress of
affordable housing and homelessness programs.~
G. Other special assignments as requested by the commuAity deYelopment commission
and/or city council as re lated to the development of affordable housing. (Ord. CS 199 § I,
20IJ;Ord.NS •167 § I, 1999)
EXHIBIT2
HOUSING COMMISSION
DISCUSSION OF THE WORK PLAN ON SEPTEMBER 26, 2019:
Ms. Fountain sa id she would like to discuss a work plan for the Housing Commission and would welcome
input from the past Commissioners. One suggestion was to have the CDBG block grant come to the
Housing Commission, but the City Council did not feel it was something they wanted the Housing
Commission to work on. My thought for tonight is to brainstorm. If you go to Page 2 of the Housing
Commission ordinance, the functions are listed. Originally the Housing Commission comprised of nine
members and they reviewed all affordable housing issues. Th e role of the Housing Commission is advisory.
The Housing Commission was esta blished to review affordable housing objectives on off-site projects. The
Housing Commission also reviews all financial requests and other housing issues. If a project has credits
that are too small, they would not come to the Housing Commission. Housing credits are when a project
needs to purchase credits. We do an annual report at a staff level. Another project the City Council
requested is on the Homeless Response Plan w here the Housing Commission served in an advisory role.
Ms. Fountain continued that the individuals on the Housing Commission should hea r concerns from the
community and bring them to this commission. The Housing Comm ission does not always meet every
month. We can sometimes have an educational component if we do not have anything on the agenda.
The City Council has asked the commissions to look at their ordinances and if t hey want to make any
suggestions for cha nges, then it would go back to the City Co uncil where they would make the decision.
We do not have to decide all this tonight, but we can use this time brain storming. Once you were
appointed to the Housing Commission, what was it you were excited about ? I was hoping you can discuss
this as a group. We will take all of the information you give us and go back and revise the ordinance and
bring it back to you before it goes to City Council. I do not know tonight if the City Council will approve
your recommendations. Staff does not direct you, we just bring your ideas back to the City Council. The
City Council appreciates all of the work the boards and co mmissions do. Because we do not always have
something to meet about, we can have an educational workshop if you would like. All Housing
Commission meetings must meet in the Council Chambers. We will be having more regular Housing
Commission meetings because of the Housing Element.
Ms. Fountain introduced the Housing Commission to the staff present at the meeting. Allen Edwards is
our compliance officer with expertise in the Affordable Housing sale product and refinancing. Bobbi Nunn
is the Housing Program Manager for the Section 8 Program. Dave de Cordova is from Planning. He will be
here on October 10th, your next Housing Commission meeting.
Mr. de Cordova said they need to nominate someone to sit on the Housing Element Advisory Committee.
This will provide a liaison between the Housing Commission and the Advisory Board. On October 10th we ·
are bringing a request among your group to serve on the Housing Element Advisory Committee. As part
of our presentation, we will give you some background information about the Housing Element. The main
HOUSING COMMISSION Page 2
purpose of the meeting is to orient you to that and ask for a volunteer. That nomination will go to the
City Council where they will vote for someone from all the commissions. We are looking at a nine-member
committee.
Commissioner Evans asked what the Housing Element is.
Ms. Fountain said we will be giving you a lot more information on that. The Housing Element is part of
the city's General Plan that sets up all the policies and programs for housing and building housing within
the community. It begins with an assessment of what your housing needs are within your community. It
is a policy document of housing provided within the community; special needs groups like homeless,
veterans, farm workers, all of those groups so it is a comprehensive assessment of what all of the needs
are. This is a great time for new members to be on the commission because you will be on the ground
floor of developing the Housing Element. We will provide you with a lot more information and history.
We will be kicking that off and starting the Advisory Committee on October 10th• The state actually has to
approve the Housing Element.
Ms. Fountain said Patti Crescenti takes the minutes at the Housing Commission and is your administrative
support.
Alan Newman said there are two basic issues, the homeless issue and before that is affordable housing,
which is almost an impossible task. You can accomplish it when you are building, but there isn't any
building left. There isn't any space anymore in Carlsbad that will take any project that will accommodate
more than twenty houses. The homeless issue is a much more interesting subject, .and Carlsbad is doing
a good job with it.
Commissioner Cortes-Torres commented that when she came to Escondido in 1993 she was sleeping in
her car with her three kids.
Mr. Newman said one of the most fascinating things he learned is that 60% of the homeless do not want
to be homeless. Often they are working, but they are unable to come up with a deposit or the first month's
rent. That is something society should be able to accomplish.
Commissioner Cortes-Torres added that she had a job, but she came from a domestic violence situation.
Ms. Fountain asked Mr. Newman if he had any advice for the commissioners.
Mr. Newman said you need to want to help.
Commissioner Cortes-Torres added there are organizations that do help.
Commissioner Evans said we can talk about that at a later time.
Ms. Fountain said the biggest thing on the horizon is to try and figure out how to better serve the homeless
and what type of programs to get involved in. It is good to have people who have experienced it. The
City Council feels people who have a background in social services or other positions will add credibility
to your ideas.
Commissioner Nguyen-Cleary asked Ms. Fountain about the scope of the ordinance; was there any time
you served on the commission that you felt constrained because it wasn't within the scope or other
things?
HOUSING COMMISSION Page 3
Mr. Newman answered no.
Ms. Shaunee Williams said she would like to add CDBG to the scope of the Housing Commission that
Debbie mentioned the council said no to.
Ms. Fountain said they weren't quite ready yet. Maybe you can explain to the commissioners why you
thought that was a good idea to do that because you had experience on the CDBG committee.
Ms. Williams said the CDBG committee meets in the winter and early spring and they decide how to
disperse funds to the different charities that apply for the grant. I was on that committee for four years
before I joined the Housing Commission. It seemed to me that once I got to the Housing Commission that
the Housing Commission could take over that committee, and it would give us something else to do and
to be more involved, but the City Council shut it down.
Commissioner Nguyen-Cleary added for background, t_he CDBG is the Community Development Block
Grant Program from the federal government and a portion of funds is available for social services and a
portion of funds are available for physical development such as rehabbing affordable housing or building
new acquisition.
Ms. Fountain said Ms. Williams' idea of the Housing Commission reviewing CDBG was a natural
connection. Also, on this committee we have two representatives from the low-income program, which
was not always necessarily true on the CDBG Committee so it had a natural connection.
Ms. Williams said correct. Did the City Council say why they didn't want it?
Ms. Fountain said it isn't so much they didn't want the Housing Commission to do it. They are trying to
create as many opportunities as possible for people to get involved. They didn't want to do away with
one committee that created an opportunity for people to serve. The way it is_ structured right now there
are four resident representatives from each of the districts. Then there are three from the boards and
commissions.
Ms. Williams asked who would be heading that up now that Courtney is gone?
Ms. Fountain said we have a new employee appointed to that role, Nancy Melander. She will run the
CDBG program. We recently changed the position from a ManagementAnalyst position to a new Program
Manager position that does all grants that are under Community & Economic Development plus oversees
our community education programs like City Stuff and our Student Leadership Academy. She will also
help coordinate our Citizen's Academy.
Commissioner Randall said she has been on the Housing Commission for a couple of years and looking at
these ordinances, none have come across. I have seen the beginning and development of the Homeless
Response Plan and that has been a learning experience. I look forward to the Housing Element coming
up and having us able to really engage and advise with recommendations and discussing it. As far as ideas
for the future, I defer to people who have more experience.
Commissioner Evans asked when is the smoke stack coming down? I think it should be easier for
information to be made available. People have to come into the office to look through books and it is not
getting out to the community. I am involved in shared housing, a program that matches people who have
a room they want to rent out with a person needing to rent a room. It is a great program, but no one
seems to know about it. Also, does anyone know about the Community Resource Center in Encinitas that
people who live in Carlsbad can go to Monday through Friday to get free food?
HOUSING COMMISSION Page4
Ms. Fountain said that is good feedback. As part of our Homeless Response Plan, we could have a resource
fair. If we want to brain storm in a meeting, that could be something we can add to our list.
Commissioner Evans suggested that before our meetings we should come into the office to find out what
is going on or maybe there could be a newsletter.
Commissioner Cole said twenty years ago they started 211, but it is difficult to keep up on updating it. It
requires a lot of research. I agree if there was one place people could call to get answers, that would be
great.
Commissioner Nguyen-Cleary noticed on the city website and the information on the Housing Commission
is it works on affordable housing and the homeless issue. The ordinance does not use the word homeless
anywhere in it.
Ms. Fountain said it is one of those special assignments.
Commissioner Nguyen-Cleary said he thought that was an obvious update. That should be officially under
this commission if that is the City Council's intention. The establishment of Affordable Housing Programs,
I think is officially broad to cover a lot of things. If a person not familiar with the commission, they may
not realize it includes the homeless issue.
Ms. Fountain said that definitely needs to be included.
Commissioner Nguyen-Cleary said in general a lot of these issues are regional issues and require regional
approaches. Maybe a function of the commission is to somehow at least be aware or engaged regionally.
Ms. Fountain said currently there is a subcommittee of the City Council, Council Member Schumacher and
Mayor Hall, who are meeting with elected officials in north county to talk about a North County Regional
Action Plan for Homelessness. Once that plan is created, there may be more information as to how we
connect into that through the Housing Commission. That may also help them know the Housing
Commission is interested.
Commissioner Cortes-Torres said she agreed with Commissioner Nguyen-Cleary and Commissioner Evans
about the homelessness issue. There are resources but they need to be connected. I understand we have
a shelter, La Posada, but a lot of people do not know about it and it is far away, not close to buses. When
I worked at Legal Aid, I felt it was a circle and it is hard to connect the resources. Maybe even a newsletter
people could read.
Ms. Fountain asked if anyone attended the Town Hall meeting on homeless. We got a lot of good
information from there about what people think the city needs to do. We are waiting for the council to
do the subcommittee work. At some point, that would be good to bring back to the Housing Commission
to go through their comments. We created on the city website an actual homeless page with all the
comments. One thing we heard quite a bit is people wanted more data or statistics on how we are being
successful getting them into services. The City Manager wants that information updated quarterly. It is
always a challenge to update information as soon as you have it listed. Because homelessness is such a
big issue in the county, there is a lot of different groups like the Regional Task Force on the Homeless.
One of the intents we had recommending the Housing Commission to be the Advisory Board is that we
can bring in guest speakers to come and discuss what is being done. This way the Housing Commission
will be better informed, and you can share that information out as well.
HOUSING COMMISSION Page 5
Commissioner Cole agreed.
Commissioner Cortes-Torres commented that a long time ago there was a program called PACT (not sure
if it is the name). This program assisted the homeless. She asked if we had that in Carlsbad.
Ms. Fountain said .she is unsure what program she is talking about. In this city we do have sober living
homes.
Commissioner Cortes-Torres asked if they get together once a month.
Ms. Fountain asked Ms. Nunn if she was aware of that.
Ms. Nunn said there used to be a North County meeting of all the different service organizations/non-
profits that met on a quarterly basis and discussed their programs. It was an agency meeting, but the
County of San Diego used to host that, then the person who organized that retired so they have not had
them for a few years.
Ms. Fountain said we can investigate that and see if there is an area there that would benefit.
Commissioner Nguyen-Cleary asked if there ever was a time they had advocacy concerns about affordable
housing or social services that relate to housing or on behalf of your clients you felt there was not an
avenue with the city to address those? Or did anybody ever say that is not within our scope?
Commissioner Cole said it did depend on many factors. Many times, our organization did apply to the City
of Carlsbad and all the other cities for their CDBG funds specifically for homeless issues or affordable
housing issues. There was an avenue sometimes depending on if it gets a lot of press and they are into it
for a while but then it dies down.
Mr. Newman had to leave.
Ms. Williams also had to leave.
Commissioner Cole liked the idea of getting information, so she feels she has a background with some
good ideas. Being in the city and seeing a lot of growth and development, there is curiosity about why
different buildings are built.
Ms. Fountain said there have been several built in various locations in Carlsbad.
Commissioner Cortes-Torres asked about other buildings.
Ms. Fountain said the one at Chestnut and Harding was not affordable housing. It is market rate housing.
There are several that have been similar on Harding. Harding also includes some of our affordable housing
developments. Solutions for Change is one of them for graduates of their homeless academy. We also
have one near Jefferson School that is working on funding as well as the veterans project. Tavarua is also
on Harding, an affordable housing senior project. Our affordable housing projects do not look affordable.
The city has a great interactive map on the website that shows where the affordable housing complexes
are. We are trying to think of creative opportunities to partner with other organizations. Because there
is little land left, we will have to look at infill or acquisition projects. We can then rent restrict them. We
are even thinking about tiny homes or villages of tiny homes. We now have second dwelling units; granny
HOUSING COMMISSION Page 6
flats are encouraged by the state. We have several hundred second dwelling units, but they are not all
used for affordable housing. Because we have run out of opportunities for large developments, we will
have smaller developments. Shipping containers or modular homes are the latest thing, but we may have
ordinances that would make that difficult. That is where educational forums will be helpful, and they
could do a presentation on tiny homes or other ideas.
Commissioner Cole said her work at the Visitor Cent~r, we usually asked where people are staying and
Airbnb is mentioned many times. That housing could be homes. In some neighborhoods in San Diego it
is a problem, and I hate to see it happen in Carlsbad. If we look at things that are not a problem yet, we
should still look at them for other ideas.
Ms. Fountain said that may be another area the Housing Commission wants to get into.
Commissioner Nguyen-Cleary agreed that does not fit within the current functions.
Commissioner Cole said it could impact the housing stock because people using these as second homes
will not be available for the community. ,
Commissioner Cortes-Torres said we need to educate the homeowners that not everyone who lives in
affordable homes are bad people.
Commissioner Nguyen-Cleary said it sounds like Commissioner Cole is advocating for something beyond
education.
Commissioner Cole if it is already in place, do we want to get on board or not.
Commissioner Nguyen-Cleary said it also makes sense because the Housing Element used to be a
document that was required, but the state is now interested in looking at enforcement if the city is not
making enough progress. There is also legislation that is already within our list of functions, we wouldn't
be doing our jobs if we were not doing legislative advocacy.
Commissioner Cortes-Torres asked Ms. Fountain what functions she thinks would be good for the Housing
Commission.
Ms. Fountain said the educational forums, and the forums for public comment. With the focus being on
Affordable Housing, anything that touches that would be a good opportunity for the Housing Commission.
Or if you hear of an issue within the community that is starting to be a buzz, then maybe they can come
forward as an educational opportunity. You will hear about the homeless the most in the community.
Commissioner Evans brought about the shared housing program she is working with. We have a contract
with ElderHelp to do shared housing. We began as a pilot program and those programs are always slow
to get into place. You usually have more seekers than you do providers, but it is an opportunity if a senior
had a large home and did not want to downsize, they can rent a room or two. In a management meeting
we learned about the percentage of people who indicate they are lonely has increased dramatically in the
U.S. The shared housing program could help with that.
Another thing important in Carlsbad is the city has a Growth Management Plan which limits the amount
of housing units that can be built. Once you hit that cap, you cannot build any more housing according to
the initiative in Carlsbad. That will increase the rent and prices because of the cap on inventory.
Commissioner Nguyen-Cleary commented that it will also set up a state lawsuit.
HOUSING COMMISSION Page 7
Ms. Fountain agreed that it will probably do that. In our next Housing Element when we get our numbers,
we must be able to meet our number. When you have a sounding board like the Housing Commission,
how do you connect that to the council. That will be an educational opportunity.
Commissioner Cole asked if that had anything to do with Ms. Fountain's retirement?
Commissioner Cortes-Torres said that is already happening.
Ms. Fountain commented when you have high demand and low inventory, the rents increase. We have
very low vacancy rates in Carlsbad, so people can charge what people will pay. Our number compared to
past elements is about 1,000 units less. More of them will have to be produced in the low and very low
categories. You will have to have higher density. This community likes low density, but it may not be
possible.
Commissioner Nguyen-Cleary added that the flow of the conversation has served as the orientation
tonight. I wanted to come back to the agenda. Do we need to close out the discussion of the ordinance?
Is that the same as the work plan?
Ms. Fountain said the work plan is going to be an annual plan. Once we decide what you think you want
to work on from the ordinance standpoint, then the work plan would be an annual plan. If you decide
educational forums Is what you want to do, you can say you plan to hold four educational forums on these
topics for the year. Then that will go to the City Council and they will say yes or no.
Commissioner Nguyen-Cleary said it sounds like we do an ordinanc~ recommendation first and this is an
iterative process.
Ms. Fountain answered yes.
Commissioner Nguyen-Cleary asked if the next step is your office will draft proposed changes to the
ordinance and then at our next meeting we will take a formal vote to bring to the council.
Ms. Fountain said right and you will have an opportunity to make revisions. Right now there is no timeline
as to when you need to have it complete. We could do the ordinance this year and start your work plan
in January of next year.
We will close out on that. The general orientation is telling you a little about the programs that we have.
Your role is an advisory role. The Housing Commission doesn't have anything it votes on. Everything is a
recommendation to the City Council. Carlsbad is one of the few cities that has a mandatory housing
ordinance. Every residential development is supposed to include 15% of its development to affordable
housing. They can choose if it is rental or ownership or accessory dwelling units. Ms. Fountain continued
to explain more about the ordinance on inclusionary housing.
Mr. de Cordova said we will be bringing this to you in October as well.
Commissioner Nguyen-Cleary asked if it will come to our commission?
Ms. Fountain said right. That will be a key policy you will be involved in. For many years, Carlsbad did not
see apartment buildings being built. When we took that out as a requirement, it started to change as the
market changed and luxury apartments became more popular. Now that we have the right to do this, we
want to add it back in.
HOUSING COMMISSION Page 8
Commissioner Cortes-Torres asked if there are a certain amount of years. I know Marbella is ten years.
Ms. Fountain said our requirement if it is inclusionary affordable for rent, they must be available for 55
years. If they are ownership, it is 30 years. It will be important for the City Council to get your feedback.
Also, if there are other changes to those ordinances you think are necessary, you can make
recommendations.
Commissioner Nguyen-Cleary asked if there is a timeline we must abide by?
Ms. Fountain said there is not a specific deadline you would have to approve it by. The longer it goes, you
may lose some in the meantime.
Mr. de Cordova said our goal is to get it to council before the end of the year. I foresee a two-step process.
We will present to you a limited amendment to adding back our ability to add inclusionary housing to our
rental stock. With more rental product coming on board, we want to have that in place. It will be up to
the City Council if they want a broader look at the inclusionary ordinance. I don't expect we will broaden
the scope of this initial ordinance.
Ms. Fountain said you can request this to get done now so we don't lose anymore opportunities. The
council may have other ideas also. The other ordinance is the density bonus ordinance, which is a state
requirement so when they change we need to change our ordinance. That is more administrative. The
inclusionary housing ordinance is our local law.
Commissioner Cortes-Torres asked how that worked on the property on Laguna and State, with six
affordable housing. Were those 80%?
Ms. Fountain said yes, they were all 80%. Most all our ownership products are 80%.
Commissioner Evans had to leave.
Ms. Fountain asked Commissioner Evans if she had any interest in being a Chair or Vice-Chair?
Commissioner Evans said no because she is computer free.
Ms. Fountain said that is a general overview of a basic policy as to how we build affordable housing. That
was the reason the Housing Commission was originally established, to advocate for affordable housing.
Your roll seen by the council is as advocates.
Commissioner Cortes-Torres commented that one of those is to make sure the property management is
following through.
Ms. Fountain said that is where you can be the most help for the City Council, to be the eyes and the ears
of the council and bringing that back to the commission. There will be many ways they will want the
Housing Commission to be involved in the future discussions in policies and programs, the start will be
the Housing Element and the North County Regional Action Plan. What concerns or questions do you
have about your role?
HOUSING COMMISSION Page 9
Commissioner Nguyen-Cleary commented that it sounds like we are going to have a full agenda for the
next meeting. Within the next two to three months we should have a continued orientation with a list of
all programs administered by the city. We discussed CDBG and shared housing tonight, but there is
probably a lot that we are already doing.
Ms. Fountain said we can do that. I will put together a package of information to you and send that out
so you can go over the information at your leisure. Our inclusionary ordinance and our current Housing
Element. There is a lot of great information on our city website.
Commissioner Cortes-Torres added that the city has a lot of brochures in the office.
Ms. Fountain said we will put together a resource manual that has all of our programs.
Commissioner Nguyen-Cleary asked where we are with the current Housing Element cycle as well as
presenting what is coming with the action plan.
Mr. de Cordova said it will be more of the latter. We spend a little bit of time orienting you all to the plan,
the Housing Element, how that all fits in. I do not anticipate we would spend much time reporting on past
accomplishments. We can talk a little about regional housing needs for this current period.
Commissioner Nguyen-Cleary said it would be helpful to show where the challenges are. We have done
moderately well especially in comparison to other cities, but not as well with very low and extremely low
income. Our percentage achievement with the RHNA goals is in the single digits. To discuss that would
be healthy.
Mr. de Cordova said we will be sure to discuss the challenges going forward.
Ms. Fountain said we can add annual report on our Housing Element programs and you could pick that as
one of your resources. We can put one of the RHNA documents in your resources.
David De Cordova
From: john.m.cleary@gmail.com
Sent: Tuesday, December 03, 2019 7:59 AM
David De Cordova To:
Subject: Ordinance and Work Plan notes
Importance: High
Hi Dave,
I hope you and your family enjoyed Thanksgiving! We just flew home last night from visiting my family in Cincinnati
(where I grew up).
Here are my comments and requests for inclusion in the recommended Housing Commission Ordinance Update and
Work Plan to Council:
Ordinance
1. There is clearly consent that we should add "homelessness issues and support services" to our 'Functions' within
the ordinance 2.40.060. I understand that this was already referred to the Commission by Council as an ongoing
focal area by previous Council resolution, so I imagine we might be on our strongest footing to simply mirror text
from that. I think I heard that referral came prior to the development of the Homeless Response Plan.
2. At our September Commission meeting at which we transitioned and oriented the three of us who were newly
appointed, the Ordinance and Work Plan were a major discussion item. I have in my notes and see in our
meeting minutes discussion of the following items. I believe these were simply discussed without asking for any
specific consensus:
Work Plan
a. to incorporate into our Ordinance 'Functions' taking a "regional view and approach" to our work,
collaborating with North County cities (and their parallel commissions) and non-profits
b. to incorporate into our Ordinance 'Functions' those of the CDBG Advisory Committee. This was
suggested by Ms. Shaunee Williams, who was leaving the Commission but had served as the liaison to
the CDBG Advisory Committee for four years, and appeared to be supported by Debbie Fountain. The
discussion was that the Committee responsibilities are really a sub-set function within the scope of the
Commission, and merging would create efficiencies and perhaps better concentrate expertise. There
appeared to be no resistance to the concept regarding functions, but rather how to incorporate differing
membership structures. One idea is simply to expand the Housing Commission to accommodate greater
public participation and the official liaison roles within the Committee. All that said, I'm personally
happy to follow staff preference on this. 2020 will be a very busy year with the HEAC. If proposing a
merger of the Committee and the Commission adds work and is an unnecessary distraction, I'm happy
for this specific idea to be postponed indefinitely; alternatively, if this is an idea staff likes and thinks
would add efficiency and make their lives a little easier, then I'm happy for it to be included.
c. to incorporate into our Ordinance 'Functions' "review and advocacy regarding housing and
homelessness policy and legislation impacting Carlsbad". There was discussion of how our current
Functions do not incorporate looking at the impacts of state legislation or our advocacy of legislation (or
amendments thereof) to benefit Carlsbad or of regional policy approaches (including for example
another city's attempt to limit AirBnB, as it restricts the local permanent housing market).
1. We should frame our Work Plan as applying to the Year 2020 (as opposed, for example, to the Traffic and
Mobility Commission which proposed a FY19-20 Plan). I checked CMC 2.15.020, and the ordinance simply
requires an "annual" work plan and does not specify the beginning and start dates of said plans.
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2. If we follow the style of the aforementioned Plan, then I suggest inclusion of the following Goals and Objectives
among whatever else is recommended by staff and my Commission colleagues (the different indentations under
each Goal don't mean anything; Outlook is just doing something funky with the formatting):
I. Goal: Review and/or recommend for approval to Council the annual plans required of the City of
Carlsbad which fall within the Functions of the Commission, and to annually review and/or recommend
for amendment/approval to Council any other Carlsbad-specific plans which fall within the Functions of
the Commission.
a} The annual and 5-year Public Housing Authority Plan
b} The annual and 5-year CDBG Consolidated Plan
c} {Other mandated Plans}
d} The Carlsbad Homeless Response Plan
II. Goal: Support and assist in directing City of Carlsbad efforts to address homelessness.
a} Objective: Meet with the City Council Sub-Committee on Homelessness at least quarterly to
coordinate efforts supportive of the Council Sub-Committee initiatives
b} Objective: Support active participation of the City of Carlsbad in the in-development
North County Homeless Action Plan, and assist the City of Carlsbad in meeting any objectives
and obligations within the Action Plan. ·
c} Objective: Organize a longer-format Town Hall and Resource Fair on Homelessness in Spring
2019 that informs local residents and homeless of regional concerns with homelessness, the
character of homelessness within Carlsbad (e.g. data from the Point In Time Count regarding
demographics and other information aboutour homeless}, efforts to address_ homelessness, and
regional resources and facilities that support those who are homeless and efforts to transition
out of homelessness.
Ill. Goal: Support and assist in directing City of Carlsbad efforts to address affordable housing.
a} Objective: Fulfill City of Carlsbad obligations which fall within the Functions of the Commission,
including responsibilities for the Carlsbad Public Housing Authority, (and add any other specific
required functions}.
b} Objective: Participate in and support the work of the Housing Element Advisory
Committee, including efforts to help in maximizing public participation in city-organized
meetings, town halls, etc.
IV. Goal: Examine policy questions which fall within the Functions of the Commission, either directly or in
coordination with the Housing Element Advisory Committee, including those referred herein and in the
future by Council, by Commissioners, by members of the public, and by staff.
a} Objective: Participate in legislative and policy updates offered by the City of Carlsbad and local
partner agencies.
b} Objective: Examine whether inclusionary/affordable housing may be restricted just to
local applicants, or if not, how much preference may be given to local applicants. By local we
mean people who work in Carlsbad and/or people who need support staying in Carlsbad (e.g.
aging parents/children who grew up here}.
c} Objective: Examine whether and how local corporations (esp. hotels/resorts} can build
workforce housing restricted to only their own employees' families.
d} Objective: Examine whether the city could create a mortgage/rental subsidy program
to help city employees (e.g. our first responders} live in Carlsbad.
e} Objective: Examine the role of Accessory Dwelling Units in supporting affordable housing in
Carlsbad, including how many exist in Carlsbad and how many are deed-restricted; what percent
are occupied versus being under-utilized housing capacity; of those occupied, how many are
rented; what support we offer owners to help them make ADU's available to support housing
needs in Carlsbad.
V. Goal: Communicate frequently and openly with the broader Carlsbad community, housing and
homelessness stakeholders, and Council, regarding matters which fall within the Commission Functions.
a} [Can we essentially duplicate the Communications Plan of the Traffic and Mobility
Commission?]
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Thank you to you and our staff for your work on this in advance of our Dec 12 meeting. Hopefully we will be in a
position to approve a final recommended document to Council, but if not, I am available to meet for a Special Meeting
for final approval on Thursday, Dec 19, at 6:00 pm (or let me know if you'd like to look at availability for additional
dates).
Thanks, and best regards,
John
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David De Cordova
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Hi David, I hope you had a great vacation.
Shirley Cole <shirley.cole@sbcglobal.net>
Sunday, November 17, 2019 11 :28 AM
David De Cordova
Housing Commission Work Plan
At our November 2019, Housing Commission meeting we agreed to give some input/thoughts prior to you and staff having to develop the Commission's Work
Plan to be submitted to the City Council. I am listing some of my thoughts that you may/or may not feel would be helpful. I am not sure how much detail you
expect to put into the plan but if you need me to further explain myself, feel free to give me a call. I am getting this to you now as I am out of the country as of
November 19 and will not be back until December 5.
I reviewed the Traffic and Mobility Commission's Work Plan and also the Carlsbad Public Housing 5 Year Plan to get a better idea of what you have to put
together.
Beginning with the mission, is it necessary to identify the additional target populations of low-income persons, such as students, persons with disabilities,
homeless, victims of sex trafficking, single parent households, etc? Also is there anywhere we identify undocumented persons? Or are they not allowed to be
included?
Under goals of expanding housing, should we address the barriers to providing more housing and then the ways to try to eliminate those barriers? Such as costly
permit process, limited land, competing with AB&B, etc.
What about incentives to landowners to build accessory dwelling units? And incentives to provide Section 8 housing such as supplying standardized rental
agreements, move in/out checklists, house rules, pet rules, lead poisoning requirements, workshops, and other way to encourage landlords to participate ?
Use other creative ways to purchase land and partner with developers to build units? Prioritize applicants to get into the Section 8 program and not just based on
when they applied (not sure if this already happens)? Provide more services that might help to get people more self sufficient and weaned off ongoing
subsidy? Can CDBG services be targeted towards Section 8 waiting list applicants? Does the Housing and CDBG commissions collaborate to meet Housing
Commissions goals?
Do we need to include information about the citizen initiative that limits the building and how that can jeopardize housing requirements? Also how is the AirB&B
sector limiting potential housing?
Lastly, regarding locations for the public to obtain copies of the 5-Year Plan, should they also be in Spanish and offered at the Leaming Center on Eureka?
If I were not out of the country, I would call you for clarification on some issues. I know I am new at learning about the many reports so my input may not be
applicable. I look forward to our December meeting. Thanks. Shirley
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