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Report regarding Resolution authorizing an application for a LEAP Planning Grant (Tony Rozzi, Principal Planner)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Staff recommends that City Council adopt a resolution authorizing an application for the Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) Grants Program intended for the preparation, adoption, and implementation of plans that streamline housing approvals and accelerate housing production.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has issued a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) dated January 27, 2020, for its Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) Grant Program. HCD is authorized to provide up to $119 million under LEAP Grants to jurisdictions for the preparation and adoption of planning documents, process improvements that accelerate housing production, and facilitate compliance in implementing the sixth cycle of the regional housing need assessment (RHNA).
The amount of LEAP Grant funding awarded is based on the population of a city. As a medium sized city, the City of South San Francisco has been allocated a maximum allowance amount of $300,000. The grant is non-competitive and the City will be awarded the funding following the application. Staff will apply for all $300,000 through two programs, discussed below.
Project 1: 2023-2031 Housing Element
Staff will partner with 21 Elements and their primary consultant Baird + Driskell Community Planning to complete and adopt the next Housing Element reflecting the sixth cycle of RHNA allocation. The services provided though the 21 Elements working group are intended to support and allow staff to complete the Housing Element "in house", which will be budget conscious and build on the momentum created by the General Plan 2040 Update process. Through the General Plan 2040 Update, known as "Shape SSF", sites will be identified for up zoning to meet the three expected RHNA allocation cycles within the 20-year lifespan of the S...
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