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Report regarding a Resolution authorizing up to two members of the City Council to submit an argument in favor of a proposed ballot measure seeking voter authorization for the City of South San Francisco to develop, construct, or acquire affordable, low-rent housing units pursuant to Article XXXIV of the California Constitution and to submit a rebuttal argument if an argument against the measure is filed. (Sky Woodruff, City Attorney and Mike Futrell, City Manager)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council consider whether to adopt a resolution authorizing up to two members of the City Council to submit an argument in favor of a ballot measure that City Council submitted to South San Francisco voters pursuant to Article XXXIV of the California Constitution to authorize the development, construction, or acquisition of low-income rental housing units, and to submit a rebuttal argument if an argument against the measure is submitted.
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BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
At a special meeting on July 27, 2022, the City Council adopted a resolution submitting to South San Francisco voters a ballot measure regarding Article 34 authorization which would authorize the City to develop, construct, or acquire low-rent housing for a certain period of time. The proposed ballot measure, if adopted by the voters, would authorize the City to be able to construct or acquire 1% of the total number of existing housing units in the City for eight years. The eight-year period is intended to align with the City’s Housing Element adoption cycle and the associated Regional Housing Allocation (RHNA) obligations.
The attached resolution authorizes up to two members of the City Council to submit an argument (and rebuttal, if necessary) on behalf of the City Council. The City Council may select at least one member-and no more than two-to file the argument. The argument may be signed by up to five people and may be any combination of members of the City Council, authorized representatives of bona fide associations, or individuals eligible to vote on the measure. The City Council only needs to select the authorized filer at this time. The composition of signers of the argument can be decided later. An argument authorized to be filed on behalf of the City Council will receive priority in selection by the City Clerk for inclusion in the voter information guide, if more than one argument were filed. The deadline to file the argument in favor of the measure is August 19, 2022.
RELATIONSHIP TO THE STRATEGIC PLAN
The first goal set out in the Housing Plan of the City’s Housing Element is to promote the provision of housing by both the private and public sectors for all income groups in the community. This goal includes promoting the development of housing for extremely low-, very low-, and lower-income households. Submission of an Article 34 ballot measure question to the voters has the potential to contribute to this goal and would be consistent with the City’s General Plan, including its Housing Element. Consequently, the proposed measure would help achieve the following goal/objective of the City’s Strategic Plan: Initiative 2.3 - Promote a balanced mix of housing options.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends the City Council consider whether to adopt the attached resolution, which would authorize up to two members of the City Council to submit an argument in favor of a ballot measure that City Council submitted to South San Francisco voters pursuant to Article XXXIV of the California Constitution to authorize the development, construction, or acquisition of low-income rental housing units, and to submit a rebuttal argument if an argument against the measure is submitted.