Jobs/Housing Ratio Study Session
Jobs/Housing Ratio and Planning Commission Study Session
Jobs/Housing ratio is one of many measurement tools to look at how individual communities, counties, or regions develop different types of land uses. It is often cited as an indicator or measurement of how a particular region, city or studied area is doing at creating or promoting jobs and housing units within that area. Focus on jobs/housing ratio is motivated by concerns related to California’s current housing crisis, reduced affordability, increase commute times, economic sustainability, social equity, and correlated environmental impacts. At times, it is cited by decision makers to help inform land use policy decisions and goals. To this end, decision-makers use this analysis as a reference to better understand the implication that land use decision have when considering future General Plan, Zoning Ordinance and Precise Plan land use changes.
Within Redwood City, this information has often been requested when considering amendments to the City’s General Plan or zoning code to help understand the impact the amendment could have on the overall jobs/housing ratio of the City. This information is most appropriate as a reference for policy decisions, including development projects seeking zoning and General Plan amendments, instead of the basis to approve, deny or determine the merits of an individual project. Decision-makers must be able to make all applicable land use findings in order to support the recommendation of a project.
With this context in mind, the Planning Commission held a study session on September 20, 2022 at 6:00pm to further explore what jobs/housing balance is and in what contexts it can be used to help inform land use goal and policy decisions. It explored the best data sources and methodology for determining the correct number of jobs and housing units within the City and identify historical trends around the ratio. The data looked at how Redwood City has performed, in terms of this ratio, when compared to nearby cities and how Redwood City can work within a regional context to support creation of jobs and housing units to meet future demand. Common misconceptions about its intent and use were explored to help set a framework for how this ratio can be used to help inform land use goal and policy decisions. Finally, the study session looked at the City’s upcoming Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) and identify Redwood City’s ongoing efforts to further encourage the production of housing.
The City has hired Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. (EPS) to prepare an informational presentation for this study session and a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), which are available for review via the links below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Jobs/Housing Balance Study Session Presentation
Contact Us
Sue Exline
Assistant Community Development Director
(650) 780-5934
sueexline@redwoodcity.org
Sam Hughes
Associate Planner
(650) 780-7382
shughes@redwoodcity.org