Los Altos City Council Approves 2023-2031 Housing Element Update
Los Altos, Calif. — February 1, 2023 — The Los Altos City Council voted last Tuesday night (Jan. 24) to adopt the 2023-2031 Housing Element update of the City’s General Plan, which authorized the City to submit the Housing Element update to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for consideration and certification. The adopted Housing Element update subsequently was received by the State on January 31; a required review will occur within 60 days.
The City will immediately begin implementing various programs to pave the way to meet the City’s mandated goal of 1,958 affordable housing units. Furthermore, pending State approval, Los Altos will maintain eligibility for several State grants, including funds for affordable housing, parks, and infrastructure.
“Thanks to a tremendous effort by the consultant team, City staff, various commissions, the City Council, and, most importantly, Los Altos community members, we developed a process to complete our update and meet the State’s timelines for submission,” said Mayor Sally Meadows. “Implementing these new programs is the ongoing work we have ahead of us. I firmly believe that these programs honor Los Altos’ history, are in step with Los Altos today, and represent a welcoming and diverse future for Los Altos tomorrow.”
To help shape Los Altos’ housing strategy, staff conducted an extensive education and awareness campaign in addition to in-person and virtual engagement opportunities such as focus groups, small group meetings, and community workshops. This allowed the City to identify community members’ values and priorities, which ultimately defined the Housing Element’s goals of creating diverse, equitable, and affordable housing for all income levels.
“With much of the groundwork completed, we are now in a very good position to hit the ground running. And with the City Council having approved the 90-unit, all-affordable housing development at 330 Distel last September, we have a head start in meeting the City’s goals for this housing element cycle,” stated Development Services Director Nick Zornes. “One of our next steps is to hire a housing manager to oversee affordable housing programs and policies.”
The Housing Element is a state mandate requiring all towns, cities, and counties to plan for residents’ housing needs at all income levels, with comprehensive updates occurring every eight years.
For more information and to view the adopted Housing Element update, visit LosAltosHousing.org.
