REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Authorization of Application and Receipt of Grant Funds for the Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) Grant Program Issued by the California Department of Housing and Community Development [Council Pillar: Promote and Enhance Economic, Housing and Transportation Development]
Report
BACKGROUND
The City of Santa Clara is eligible to apply to the State of California Housing and Community Development Department for a grant under the Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) grant program. LEAP provides one-time grant funding to cities and counties to update their planning documents and implement process improvements that will facilitate the acceleration of housing production and help local governments prepare for their 6th cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). The amount of funding available to a jurisdiction depends upon its population, and the City of Santa Clara is eligible to receive up to $500,000. Adoption of a resolution by the City Council is required by the California Housing and Community Development Department as part of the grant application and award process.
Eligible funded activities may include updates to general plans, specific plans, or local planning related to implementation of sustainable communities' strategies; updates to zoning ordinances; environmental analyses that eliminate the need for project-specific review; and temporary staffing assistance associated with pro-housing activities.
DISCUSSION
Staff is requesting City Council adoption of a resolution to support the City's application for a LEAP grant of $500,000 from the State. This funding would support preparation of the update to the City's Housing Element, and to make other associated changes to the City's General Plan, as required by State law. Approximately $300,000 is proposed to be allotted to consultant services required for the preparation of the Housing Element Update. The grant application is also expected to include staffing assistance for ...
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