Stockton City Council adopts Housing Action Plan and approves affordable housing projects

The City of Stockton has taken significant steps toward addressing its housing needs by adopting the Stockton Housing Action Plan, which includes three neighborhood action plans aimed at improving local housing conditions. During the recent city council meeting on February 27, 2025, officials reported that construction plans for two affordable housing projects, Saint Mary's Pathways and Park Center Apartments, have been approved. These projects are part of a broader effort to increase the availability of affordable housing in the city.

In 2024, Stockton permitted a total of 837 new housing units, including 253 designated for very low-income families. This achievement stems from two key affordable housing initiatives: Park Center, developed by the San Joaquin County Housing Authority, and Saint Mary's Pathways, initiated by the St. Mary's Dining Room. Additionally, 52 of the permits were for accessory dwelling units, with 31 of those classified as low-income units, in accordance with state regulations.

Despite these advancements, city officials acknowledged that Stockton is currently falling short of its state-mandated housing goal of 1,000 new units per year. The city averaged only 545 units annually in the previous cycle, indicating a need for increased efforts to meet future targets. The council discussed strategies to boost housing production, aiming to reach at least 75% of the goal in the coming year.

The next steps involve presenting these reports to the City Council in March for acceptance, followed by submission to the state by April 1. As Stockton continues to navigate its housing challenges, the focus remains on enhancing community access to affordable living options and meeting state requirements.