HOUSING
Issues
Home ownership increases the stability of our population and builds community pride. In recent years, the influx of retirees and commuters has driven up the cost of housing in Calaveras County. This inflation in housing costs makes it difficult for those with modest incomes to fulfill their dream of home ownership and increases rents. Public policy should not favor homes for the wealthy over homes for the less affluent members of our community.
Goals
- Calaveras County should have a full range of housing types for residents of all income levels.
- Workforce housing should be integrated throughout our community.
Actions
County government should:
- Join with other counties to exercise strong leadership in urging lenders to take measures that will keep families in their homes through the current foreclosure crisis.
- Improve the Housing Element of the Calaveras County General Plan to address the current and projected lack of workforce housing and avoid costly litigation. Plan for and maintain a range of housing for everyone, from local workers and their families to seniors.
- Adopt policies that encourage large developers to build workforce housing along with high-end housing. Create incentives with fee breaks and priority timing for developers who help further the goals of the housing element. If these measures are not working, we must move to stronger policies to ensure housing for all.
- Work to improve the local economy so local residents have decent paying jobs and can qualify for home loans. (see Economic Development plank)
- Look to federal and state housing programs that support workforce housing though low-cost loans and other mechanisms, and solicit developers willing to participate in those programs.
- Support innovative community efforts such as community housing land trusts, cohousing, senior housing, Habitat for Humanity, and mixed-use development in our towns to improve and sustain the supply of housing available to those with limited incomes.