Newly released numbers show Sacramento County is far behind housing goal
SACRAMENTO — Sacramento County is acknowledging just how far behind it is in approving the construction of new homes and apartments.
California law sets requirements for just how many affordable units are needed, and on Tuesday, the county Board of Supervisors was told they only have four more years to build thousands more.
Housing advocates say the lack of affordable units is a big concern. The need for more low- and moderate-income housing is highlighted in a plan called the "Regional Housing Needs Assessment," which is a review that takes place every eight years and is required by state law.
In Sacramento County, an average of 558 very-low-income units should be built each year, but the actual amount is only 18.
For moderate-income housing, more than 500 should be built each year, but the actual number is less than 200.
The biggest need is for what's called above-moderate-income housing. More than 1,200 should be built each year, but the annual average is less than 500.
"I think it's really important that we be holding local governments accountable," said Natalie Spievack of Housing California.
The county doesn't actually build the homes, but they control where the new units can be built and the pot of money that helps offset the development costs.
"I don't think there's a shortage of developers," said Dave Defanti, Sacramento County's deputy county executive. "I think the constraint is funding."
"It's been several years since the last affordable housing bond went through the legislature and those funds have been spent down," said Jonathan Cook, the executive director of the Sacramento Housing Alliance.
In total, the housing assessment says nearly 20,000 new homes are needed in Sacramento County by 2029. The county could face fines and a loss of state funding if the requirement is not met.
"It's important that the state continue to enforce those laws, otherwise, there's no stick for cities to be doing their part," Spievack said.
"This is something that is a very high priority, remains a high priority for us," County Supervisor Phil Serna said.
Many housing advocates are backing a bill currently being debated in the state legislature that would place a $ 10 billion affordable housing bond on the 2026 ballot.
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