The Escondido CIty Council says they want to address housing costs and homelessness, and yet they do not adopt actions needed to address these neejds. A recent comment letter by Escondido Neighbors for Solutions states what the Council should do–Adopt an Affordable Homes Rule (inclusionary policy) and Adopt Housing First strategy! This would result in additional affordable housing without cost to the city. As the city develops, so too would affordable and middle-income housing.
Escondido is behind the curve on this simple and effective policy action. Eleven of 18 governments in San Diego County have these policies already with the County planning to adopt a rule this year.
There are many options for how this policy could shaped. The County developed a list of best practices as they began work on its own policy for increasing affordable homes. Often called Inclusionary housing policies, these are very effective means to produce a diversity of housing in a jurisdiction. It is also notable that when considering the RHNA distribution in the region, the jurisdictions with a mandatory inclusionary housing program account for 79% of the regional RHNA allocation.
Last, such a policy could result in healthy, economically integrated neighborhoods throughout the community instead of placing housing in unhealthful locations, such as the recent Storm Property General Plan Amendment Council appears to be poised to allow. Adoption of such an Affordable Homes policy should be undertaken by Council without delay.
Let the Mayor and City Council know you support an Affordable Housing Rule!