Vallejo to provide update on mandated housing plan Monday

VALLEJO — The Vallejo City Council and the city’s planning commission are scheduled to get their first look at proposed updates to a state-mandated housing plan during a special joint meeting on Monday.

Under the previous plan adopted eight years ago, the city was required to allocate enough land to accommodate 1,362 dwelling units, affordable among several income levels, based on the area median income.

California requires local governments to adopt a housing plan as a blueprint for how the city will develop and outlines the city’s housing needs, affordability and availability. It must be updated every eight years.

The last update was adopted in 2015. The update will guide housing development in the city during the 2023-2030 period.

On Monday, the council and planning commission will also receive information on plans for safety and environmental justice. The safety element evaluates the impact of climate change on the community, including vulnerable persons. Just like the housing element, the safety element must be updated every eight years.

Monday will be the council’s first look at a new environmental justice element, which touches on topics of improving air quality, providing access to food, and prioritizing improvements that address the needs of disadvantaged communities, among others.

“Adding this element along with these updated elements will further guide the future of Vallejo, helping to ensure that all members of the community may be sheltered and live in a safe and just environment,” city staff wrote in a report to the city council and planning commission.

City staff said the public will have multiple opportunities to participate in the process and envisions that the planning process for the updates will continue through the end of the year.

There will also be a presentation from the California Department of Housing and Community Development about recent housing legislation.

The special joint meeting of the Vallejo City Council and Vallejo Planning Commission is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday inside the Vallejo City Hall Council chambers.

Members of the public will be able to participate in-person or remotely via Zoom.