Laserfiche WebLink
2021 - 2029 HOUSING ELEMENT <br /> Executive <br /> Summary <br /> Housing Conditions in Colton and <br /> Focus of the Housing Element <br /> Traditionally, the General Plan Housing Element focuses on programs that will facilitate the <br /> production of affordable housing in a community pursuant to goals established by regional <br /> planning agencies, which in Colton's case is the Southern California Association of <br /> Governments (SCAG). This focus results from State housing law directive that every <br /> jurisdiction must adopt land use plans and development regulations that accommodate its <br /> assigned portion of housing needs and establish programs toward accomplishing regional <br /> and statewide housing goals. <br /> By any reasonable measure, Colton has taken on more than its fair share of affordable <br /> housing. Colton has long been and remains one of the most affordable cities in Southern <br /> California,with low homeownership rates and an aging housing stock. <br /> From an economic perspective, the national financial crisis that began in late 2007 affected <br /> Colton particularly hard, with reduced sales and property tax revenues. While the local <br /> economy has improved over the past several years, decreased revenues continue to impact <br /> the City's ability to invest in all types of programs, including those that increase housing <br /> opportunities for current and new residents.The City's ongoing efforts to attract investment <br /> and pursue economic development have also been hindered by the fact that large tracts of <br /> strategically located vacant lands — from a commercial real estate perspective — are <br /> protected habitat of the Delhi Sands flower-loving fly ("DSF"), a federally listed endangered <br /> species. This has been alleviated somewhat through adoption of the West Valley Habitat <br /> Conservation Plan in 2014, which has set aside 50 acres for permanent conservation of DSF <br /> habitat. <br /> These circumstances create an environment where community investment is difficult due to <br /> limited funding, but absolutely critical to improving the quality of life in Colton.This Housing <br /> Element sets forth housing strategies that will help move toward improved housing <br /> conditions for Colton residents, safer neighborhoods in which residents feel comfortable <br /> investing, and move-up housing opportunities that can diversify household income <br /> demographics in the City. Move-up housing will allow current residents who gradually are <br /> able to afford better housing to do so and thus remain in Colton, where they have families <br /> and community roots. By providing new housing opportunities for current residents and <br /> attractive new housing for all economic segments of the community, including households <br /> CITY OF COLTON GENERAL PLAN PAGE - 1 <br />