HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 5.H 02/04/2019DATE: February 4, 2019
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council through City Manager
FROM: Sue Castellucci, Housing Administrator - g
SUBJECT: City Council Discussion and Direction Regarding Scheduling a Workshop on the
CASA Compact
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council discuss scheduling a workshop to hear a presentation on
the CASA Compact, and provide direction to staff.
BACKGROUND
The City Council requested an agenda item to discuss holding a workshop regarding the CASA
Compact. The City Council also requested a workshop to discuss the Jobs with Justice
organization's campaign, Raise the Wage!
The CASA Compact is a 15 -year emergency policy package to confront the housing crisis in the
San Francisco Bay Area developed by a task force of elected and civic leaders convened by the
Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and Metropolitan Transportation Commission
(MTC). The Compact strives to produce new housing units, preserve existing affordable housing
units and protect current residents from displacement. Implementation of the CASA Compact
will require bills to be passed in Sacramento; it will require leadership from our new governor
Gavin Newsom; it will require regional ballot measure campaigns in 2020 and the years beyond;
it will require changes in transportation and housing policy -snaking at both ABAG and MTC;
and it will require local government in the Bay Area to do their part.
There are seven Senate and/or Assembly bills currently working through the legislative process
as well as two Constitutional amendments covering some of the elements in the CASA Compact.
This proposed legislation covers restricting land use policies, streamlining certain housing
developments, revenue generating legislation, bringing back some form of redevelopment, as
well as other legislation regarding tenant protection. It is uncertain whether these proposed laws
will be approved, however, the timing of such legislation will be over the next 3 or 4 months.
DISCUSSION
The framework of the Compact is organized around three principal outcomes, or the "Three P's",
which are increasing housing Production at all levels of affordability; Preserving existing
affordable housing, and Protecting vulnerable households from housing instability and
displacement. The implementation of the Compact calls for CASA leadership and key members
to continue to work with State and local elected officials and agencies to implement the
principles of the CASA Compact through the legislative process.
The Compact contains ten key elements:
• Just Cause Eviction Policy
• Rent Cap
• Rent Assistance and Access to Legal Counsel
• Removing Regulatory Barriers to Accessory Dwelling Units
• Minimum Zoning Near Transit
• Good Government Reforms to Housing Approval Process
• Expedited Approvals and Financial Incentives for Select Housing
• Unlocking Public Land for Affordable Housing
• Funding and Financing the CASA Compact
• Regional Housing Enterprise
Direction from the City Council at the workshop will be provided to local representatives who
are working toward implementation.
Over the last few years, workshops have been scheduled to allow a more thorough, in-depth
discussion of a single item of interest. The following dates are offered as available workshop
dates for Council's consideration:
March 11 — possible workshop
March 25 — possible workshop
An alternative is to schedule the CASA Compact presentation for a regular meeting. If that is a
preference, staff will add the item to the agenda that appears best suited in terms of available
time, and options include February 25, March 4, March 18 and April 1.
The budget workshop is tentatively scheduled for May 13 and it is likely a Council goal -setting
workshop will be set for a Saturday in March.
City staff, primarily the Housing Administrator, will present the item. As requested by the
Council, local representatives who served on committees in formation of the Compact will be
invited to attend and participate.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS
There is no financial impact as a result of this item.
ATTACHMENTS
CASA Compact