Santa Clara County Approves $123 Million In Affordable Housing

SAN JOSE, CA -- The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors put their money where the mouth is this week by giving the nod to a multitude of affordable housing projects through Measure A bond funds to be used in the next two years.

The massive construction plans mark a significant milestone in the county’s efforts to increase the supply of multi-family rental, affordable and supportive housing in the community to combat the escalating flight of residents unable to afford to live here.

“The funding approved for nine housing developments is another significant milestone in addressing the need for innovative and effective housing solutions in Santa Clara County,” board President Joe Simitian said. “Our efforts to create affordable and supportive housing is benefiting families, veterans, teachers, nurses, single parents, senior citizens, the disabled, foster youth, the homeless, and individuals with special needs in our community. It’s not enough, but it’s real and tangible progress.”

Tuesday's actions add $123 million to the $111 million in housing bond funds the board committed to in the last fiscal year that funded the first 10 housing developments. The county has committed a total of $234 million of the 2016 Measure A funding toward housing for extremely low and very low-income households. These categories include disabled homeless persons, special needs veterans and working families. The developments span six cities: Milpitas, Cupertino, Gilroy, Morgan Hill, San Jose and Santa Clara.

“Through the leadership of our Board of Supervisors, the guiding efforts of our Office of Supportive Housing, and the collaboration of our dedicated partners, we are fulfilling the vision of the Measure A Affordable Housing Bond and creating a stronger community,” Santa Clara County Chief Operating Officer Miguel Marquez said.

Prior to passage of the voter-approved Measure A Affordable Housing Bond in 2016, there were only about 250 supportive housing apartments in Santa Clara County. Since 2015, the county and its partners have increased supportive housing within the expensive jurisdiction by 1,537 apartments. Of these units, 151 are currently in operation, 586 are under construction and 800 are in the pipeline.

“To achieve that outcome, we set a goal of 4,800 new homes, and now we are up to 1,416. That is 30 percent progress toward our 10-year goal in just two years. By sticking to our plan, we are keeping our word with voters,” Supervisor Cindy Chavez said.

A family of four is considered to have an extremely low income if they earn less than $39,900 annually. That same family is deemed to have a very low income if they earn between $39,900 and $66,500. Low income is derived between $66,500 and $94,450. Income thresholds are maintained and updated by the California Department of Housing and Community Development at http://www.hcd.ca.gov/grants-funding/incomelimits/state-and-federal-income-limits.shtml.

--Image via Kathryn Reed