Los Altos Housing Element Update Kicks-Off Next Week
Los Altos, Calif. — November 19, 2021 — The first phase of the Los Altos Housing Element Update, which focuses on ‘Education, Awareness, and Reflection’, launches next week with robust community outreach and engagement.
The Housing Element is an integral component of the City’s General Plan. This specific element, updated every eight years, provides a comprehensive roadmap to facilitate the production of adequate housing at all income levels within the community.
With guidance from the City Council Subcommittee, staff worked closely with Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. and Plan to Place to formulate a diverse, inclusive, and adaptive Community Outreach and Engagement Plan. The three-phase plan was improved through feedback from the City Council and community members during the October 26 City Council Study Session.
“The primary goal of this legally mandated process is to have cities adequately plan how they will meet the housing needs of their current and future residents. I am very excited we are launching this integral step of the Housing Element Update process,” said Mayor Neysa Fligor. “By engaging with residents using a wide variety of methods, Los Altos will be able to hear from a cross section of community groups and individuals, and then create a blueprint for housing in Los Altos that reflects our community’s values and priorities.”
Community members will have many in-person and virtual opportunities to learn about and provide feedback on the Housing Element Update. Each pop-up, community workshop, and group session gives the community an opportunity to ask questions and contribute their thoughts to staff and the consultants. Staff is also offering small group meetings for those who want to better understand the Housing Element Update. Housing Element Update events, FAQs, and small group meetings sign-ups will be available on the project website at www.losaltoshousing.org.
“Sharing information on the Housing Element Update and its requirements, as well as gaining an understanding of the community’s priorities, is our main focus through the first phase,” said Jon Biggs, Director of Community Development. “We’re utilizing new ways to reach the community, like small group meetings, which will play a tremendous role in achieving a Housing Element Update that the City is proud of and can be certified by the State.”
A Study Session between the City Council and Planning Commission-the first of many meetings led by the Consultant Team- will introduce the Housing Element Update process, its need, requirements, and schedule; the meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at 4 PM. The community is invited to share feedback during Public Comment.
Mayor Neysa Fligor reiterated the importance of community participation in shaping the future of housing in Los Altos. “I encourage everyone to participate and and share their feedback, ideas, and concerns. I look forward to having a Housing Element Update that provides a mix of housing types at all income levels in Los Altos and that allows for the development of more affordable homes in Los Altos.”
The City will regularly adjust outreach and engagement efforts to promote widespread community participation. For more information on Housing Element Update and the City’s phased approach, visit www.losaltoshousing.org.
