Getting Inclusionary Housing Right

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Cities across Santa Clara County are considering this powerful tool to build more new affordable homes without subsidy.

But done wrong it can fall short, or even stop the development of new homes in its tracks. Learn how it works, and how to get it right!

Many of our local cities are joining forces right now in a shared nexus study, the wonky and in-depth analysis that assesses the feasibility of local residential development and the potential for developers of market-rate housing to add a share of affordable homes to their buildings.

If cities require too few affordable homes or affordability that’s too shallow, they leave public benefits on the table. Too much, and developers can’t build any housing at all.

Come hear about local cities that are getting it right: successfully using inclusionary housing policies to achieve mixed-income communities, generate funding to subsidize deeper levels of affordability, and gain valuable land for affordable homes!

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July 18, 2024

Los Altos Impact Fees Update

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Last month, SV@Home submitted a letter to the Los Altos City Council advocating for significant reductions in Development Impact and In-Lieu Fees for affordable housing projects. These fees contribute to covering the costs of public facilities required by new developments, including parks, transportation networks, public safety facilities, and public art installations. However, while these fees are crucial for maintaining service levels as the city grows, they pose financial challenges for affordable housing projects to remain viable.

Several neighboring cities have already adopted fee reductions, setting a precedent that Los Altos could follow:

  • Mountain View: 100% reduction in impact fees for 100% affordable projects and all BMR inclusionary units.
  • Palo Alto: 100% reduction in impact fees for 100% affordable projects and public art fee exemptions for inclusionary BMR units.
  • Sunnyvale: 100% reduction in park fees for 100% affordable projects and all BMR inclusionary units.
  • San Jose: 50% reduction in park fees for 100% affordable projects and all BMR inclusionary units.

These policies have proven effective in reducing financial burdens on developers and encouraging the construction of affordable housing. We strongly recommend that the Los Altos City Council consider similar reductions to promote affordable housing development and address the ongoing housing crisis. By adopting these measures, Los Altos can foster a more inclusive community and support sustainable growth.