HomeMy WebLinkAbout04 - Repeal of Inclusionary Housing_PA2013-221 - CorrespondenceFAMILIES FORWARD
DIGNITY • EMPOWERMENT • HOPE
November 25, 2013
Newport Beach City Council
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Re: Ordinance No. 2013 -28 —The Repeal of the Inclusionary Housing
To Whom It May Concern,
Received After Agenda Printed
Agenda Item No. 4
11 -26 -13
Families Forward exists to help families in crisis to achieve and maintain self- sufficiency through housing, food,
counseling, education, and other support services. During the last fiscal year, 2012 -2013, we served 35 Newport
Beach families, 102 children and adults, with 135 services. As a recipient of CDBG funding through the city of
Newport Beach, we take great interest in issues pertaining to affordable housing that affect the families we serve.
As the Housing Resource Specialist at Families Forward, I work directly with families to obtain and secure
affordable housing. As you can imagine, this Is no easy feat as affordable housing in Orange County is practically
non - existent In comparison to the number of families in dire need.
There are an overwhelming number of low- Income families that live and work in Newport Beach who could qualify
for affordable housing that is close to their jobs, children's schools, and families.. The harsh reality is that for a
single mother earning minimum wage, she would need to work 124 hours a week in order to afford the average
one bedroom in Orange County. If we take into consideration that Newport Beach takes the lead within the
Orange County rental market, with an astounding average Bent of $2,343 a month (RealFacts), it is no wonder that
families find themselves unable to secure housing and having to commute from far distances.
Families Forward opposes the amendment to the Municipal Code repealing Chapter 19.54 ( Inclusionary Housing).
The repeal of Chapter 19.54 would result in the City no longer collecting in -lieu affordable housing fees from new
projects. This cost of decreased funding would be a great loss to the families that need critical access to homes
they can afford.
As always we are incredibly thankful to the City for their supportive efforts so that we may continue to serve
Newport Beach families in need.
Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Madelynn Mo t ya
Housing Resource Specialist
Cc: City Manager
Cc: City Clerk
8 Thomas • Irvine, CA • 92618 • (949) 552 -2727 • TAX ID#33- 0086043