County Council discusses affordable housing amid rising poverty rates

The Santa Maria City Council convened on April 15, 2025, to discuss several pressing issues, including affordable housing and the local economy. The meeting began with public comments, where a speaker expressed concerns regarding a proposed ordinance that they believed would diminish the council's authority. They highlighted the county's recent proposal to convert limited land into affordable housing, arguing that simply reducing land costs would not address the deeper issue of poverty affecting 70% of the county's population.

The speaker emphasized the need for better-paying jobs rather than additional fees, noting a significant decline in manufacturing and industrial jobs in the area. They urged the council to consider the broader implications of their decisions on housing affordability.

Following public comments, the council deliberated on the ordinance in question. There was a consensus that further discussion was necessary before any decisions could be made. Council members debated the timing of the next steps, ultimately deciding to continue the item until the first meeting in June. This decision allows for additional input from the development community and ensures that the council can thoroughly review the implications of the proposed ordinance.

The council's motion to postpone the discussion was unanimously approved, indicating a collaborative approach to addressing the community's housing challenges. The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit the topic in June, allowing for a more comprehensive examination of the issues at hand.