City explores partnerships to boost affordable housing amid rising demands

The City of Encinitas Planning Commission is grappling with the pressing need for affordable housing, as highlighted in their recent meeting on February 6, 2025. A key discussion centered around the effectiveness of current strategies to meet housing demands, particularly in light of the city’s obligations under the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA).

Commission members emphasized the importance of differentiating between various types of housing projects, particularly those involving non-profit organizations and partnerships with local churches. These entities often operate under different guidelines and expectations, which can complicate the overall assessment of housing progress in the city. One member pointed out that while some projects, like the Greek church initiative, are fully affordable, the broader picture indicates a shortfall in meeting the city’s housing goals.

The commission acknowledged that if current practices continue unchanged, Encinitas may struggle to meet its affordable housing targets without resorting to constructing an additional 5,000 units. This stark reality underscores the need for innovative approaches and a reevaluation of existing strategies.

A significant point raised was the potential for public-private partnerships (P3) to play a crucial role in addressing the housing crisis. Questions were posed regarding the city’s financial resources for affordable housing initiatives, including the possibility of implementing an affordable housing impact fee on market-rate developers. Such fees could accumulate over time, providing the city with funds to invest in affordable housing projects through requests for proposals (RFPs).

As the commission continues to explore these avenues, the implications of their discussions are clear: a proactive and diversified approach is essential for Encinitas to fulfill its housing obligations and ensure that all residents have access to affordable living options. The next steps will involve further analysis of funding mechanisms and potential partnerships to drive meaningful change in the community's housing landscape.