Archived News Release from 2009

For Immediate Release

Redwood City’s Draft “Housing Element” Accepted by State –  Approved for Inclusion in New General Plan, Sets the Stage for Future Housing Opportunities

Redwood City, CA - December 18, 2009 - After multiple public meetings, workshops, and study sessions, and a great deal of diligent work by the Planning Commission, Housing and Human Concerns Committee, City staff and the City Council, Redwood City’s Draft Housing Element has been found to be in compliance by the State of California. This means that it fully supports State regulations for housing elements, and will be included for final adoption by the Council as part of the New General Plan.

The Housing Element is one of the most important documents in a General Plan as it specifies strategies and methods that may be undertaken to meet the housing needs of existing and future resident populations throughout Redwood City. It identifies the existing and projected future need for housing in the community in terms of affordability, availability, adequacy, and accessibility.

“Achieving State compliance for the Housing Element is a superb milestone for our New General Plan project” said Redwood City Mayor Jeff Ira. “It really reflects Redwood City’s strong commitment to housing, and confirms our strategy for how we can best provide the needed mix of affordable and market rate housing for our community. A great deal of thanks is due to the staff, commissions, and my Council colleagues for this accomplishment.”

The community will ultimately reap great benefit from the Housing Element in the future. Implementation of the Housing Element strategies will bring more options and opportunities for a variety of housing – both affordable and market rate. And as part of the New General Plan, this Element will help to put Redwood City in a favorable position to move forward with securing much-needed housing as the economic recovery takes hold.

The General Plan is the document that establishes policies, goals, and programs for the long-term physical development of our community, and for what we want our City to be for future generations. It’s a “blueprint for the future” of how our City will look, how development will occur, and what we want our City to be for future generations. More information on the New General Plan is available by contacting Redwood City’s New General Plan staff by visiting www.redwoodcity.org/generalplan, calling 650-780-7234, or emailing generalplan@redwoodcity.org.

Visit Redwood City’s award-winning website at www.redwoodcity.org for information about the City and its services, the community, recreation programs, education, City government, and local business. Subscribe to Redwood City’s electronic newsletter or other City documents at www.redwoodcity.org/egov.

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Contact:
Tom Passanisi
Principal Planner
(650) 780-7234