REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Options to Affect Sunnyvale Jobs to Housing Ratio (Information Only)
Report
BACKGROUND
The City of Sunnyvale has been mindful about the relationship of jobs and housing since at least 1979, recognizing the link between the two; noting that housing close to jobs benefits air quality, and that the jobs housing ratio is a regional issue. Over time, Sunnyvale has amended the General Plan and zoning to decrease the potential number of jobs and increase the potential for housing units. Changes in the types of industries and household size have also affected the number of jobs and overall population in Sunnyvale. City staff and City Councilmembers have participated in regional and state organizations that support providing more housing near jobs.
Over the past five to ten years there are a growing number of community members asking the City to plan for and allow more housing and to include more programs to assist members of the community that struggle with the high cost of rents and home sale prices. Numerous governmental and non-governmental agencies are promoting additional housing and affordability programs. At the same time, there are also community members who have stated that the level of development in Sunnyvale (both residential and non-residential) is too much.
On April 11, 2017, the City Council adopted an update to the Land Use and Transportation Element (LUTE) of the General Plan. The update process, nicknamed Horizon 2035, was strongly influenced by a City Council appointed advisory committee composed of a cross section of community members. The Horizon 2035 Committee made recommendations on policies and land use map designations that resulted in additional housing development opportunities in Sunnyvale (including the mixed-use villages at shopping center sites). Upon adoption of the LUTE in April 2017 the Council requested that staff return with additional information on how to affect the Jobs Housing Ratio.
Prior to th...
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