CC 2020-12-08_08e Appointment to Housing Trust Fund Commission
MEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: WHITNEY McDONALD, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT TO SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
HOUSING TRUST FUND COMMISSION
DATE: DECEMBER 8, 2020
SUMMARY OF ACTION:
Appointment of a City representative to the San Luis Obispo County Housing Trust Fund
Commission.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
There is no financial impact and minimal staff impacts related to attendance at
Commission meetings.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the City Council appoint the Community Development Director, or their
designee, to serve as the City’s representative on the San Luis Obispo County Housing
Trust Fund Commission.
BACKGROUND:
The San Luis Obispo Housing Trust Fund (Housing Trust Fund) is a private nonprofit
public benefit corporation formed by a broad-based group of volunteers from nonprofit
agencies, the business community and local governments and incorporated in 2003. The
mission of the Housing Trust Fund is to increase the supply of affordable housing for very
low, low and moderate income residents of San Luis Obispo County, including
households with special needs. The Housing Trust Fund accomplishes this primarily
through leveraging private and public funds to provide loans for affordable housing
projects. As a participating jurisdiction, the City has representation on the Housing Trust
Fund Commission (Commission), which serves as a loan committee and recommends
policies and procedures. The City currently has an open seat on the Commission. The
City Council previously appointed Kelly Heffernon, Associate Planner, to act as the City’s
representative on the Commission. Following Ms. Heffernon’s vacancy, the City’s
Planning Manager, Matt Downing, represented the City on the Housing Trust Fund
Commission.
Item 8.e. - Page 1
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT TO THE SAN LUIS OBISPO HOUSING TRUST
FUND COMMISSION
DECEMBER 8, 2020
PAGE 2
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
The Commission currently consists of representatives from the cities of Morro Bay,
Grover Beach, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, the County of San Luis Obispo, a member
of the SLO Supportive Housing Consortium, and an appointee from the Housing Trust
Fund. As a majority of the cities have appointed staff representatives to the Commission,
staff is recommending that the Community Development Director, or their designee, be
appointed as the City’s representative on the Commission. The Community Development
Director is responsible for updating and implementing the City’s Housing Element of the
General Plan, and is most knowledgeable of affordable housing related issues. Allowing
the Community Development Director to then designate an appropriate staff member to
represent the City on the Commission will provide flexibility while also ensuring that the
City’s interests are represented with the Housing Trust Fund.
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are provided for the Council’s consideration:
1. Appoint the Community Development Director, or their designee, to the San Luis
Obispo County Housing Trust Fund Commission;
2. Appoint another staff member, Commissioner, or Council Member;
3. Do not make an appointment to the Commission; or
4. Provide staff direction.
ADVANTAGES:
Appointment of the Community Development Director, or their designee, will provide City
representation on the Housing Trust Fund Commission and will allow for input on
affordable housing related issues.
DISADVANTAGES:
No disadvantages were identified.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
No environmental review is required for this item.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The Agenda was posted at City Hall and on the City’s website in accordance with
Government Code Section 54954.2.
Item 8.e. - Page 2