REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
June 18, 2015
FROM: OLIVER BAINES, III, Council President
City Council Offices
SUBJECT
Title
RESOLUTION - In support of AB 1335- Building Homes and Jobs Act
Body
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council go on record as supporting Assembly Bill 1335 as known as Building Homes and Jobs Act.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Fresno, as many other cities in California are currently undergoing a grave affordable housing crisis, which will only intensify as the cost of housing increases faster than the modest increase in wages as has been well documented.
The Building Homes and Jobs Act (AB 1335) introduced by Assemblymember Toni Atkins could help alleviate the ongoing affordable housing crisis; by establishing a permanent funding source for affordable housing through a fee of $75 on real estate transaction documents, excluding commercial and residential real-estate sales.
It would create the Building Homes and Jobs Fund in the State Treasury, where this measure could generate up to $700 million annually for affordable rental or ownership housing, supportive housing, emergency shelters, and other housing needs while creating much need jobs in our state. It is anticipated this act could create over 29,000 jobs in the state.
BACKGROUND
The City of Fresno, as many other cities in California are currently undergoing a grave affordable housing crisis, which will only intensify as the cost of housing increases faster than the modest increase in wages as has been well documented including in our recently approved Consolidated Action Plan for 2015-2019, our new 2035 General Plan, the Downtown Neighborhoods Specific Plan including, every planning document of the former Redevelopment Agency, and the City of Fresno Housing Element 2008-2013.
The Building Homes and Jobs Act (AB 1335) could help alleviate the ongoing affordable housing crisis; by establishing a permanent funding source for affordable housing through a fee of $75 on real estate transaction documents, excluding commercial and residential real-estate sales.
The Act would create the Building Homes and Jobs Fund in the State Treasury, where this measure could generate up to $700 million annually for affordable rental or ownership housing; supportive housing, emergency shelters, and other housing needs while creating much need well-paying jobs in our state in a number of sectors. It is anticipated this act could create over 29,000 jobs in the state
City of Fresno has remained committed to protecting the quality of residential life and responding to the public's needs and should thereby support legislation that preserves affordable housing stock.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
By the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 this item does not qualify as a "project" for the purposes of CEQA.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not implemented because the adoption of a resolution to support AB 1335 does not include a bid or an award of a construction or services contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
There will be no direct fiscal impact.
Attachments:
Resolution in Support of AB 1335, Building Homes and Jobs Act
Letter of Support from the Building Industry Association of Fresno/ Madera Count
Copy of AB 1335, Building Homes and Jobs Act, by Assemblymember Toni Atkins