Housing Authority approves sale of 25 buildings from Los Altos development

The Contra Costa Housing Authority made significant strides in addressing local housing needs during its recent meeting on May 20, 2025. The board unanimously approved the sale of 25 scattered site buildings from the former Los Deltas Public Housing Development, a decision that is expected to have a lasting impact on affordable housing in the community.

The resolution, identified as number 5271, authorizes the sale of these properties at fair market value, as determined by a certified appraisal. This approach is crucial because it allows the proceeds from the sale to be allocated into a special account dedicated to affordable housing initiatives. If the properties were sold below market value, it would impose long-term obligations on the buyers to develop affordable housing for the next 20 years, complicating future housing efforts.

Commissioner John highlighted the importance of these scattered sites, noting that they represent a significant portion of the housing units available in the area. He emphasized that the community is closely monitoring developments on these sites, which are spread throughout North Richmond. The board also acknowledged the efforts of staff member Joseph and his team, who have worked diligently to reach this point.

In addition to the sale of the scattered sites, the meeting touched on previous efforts to offer 25% of the units at below fair market value to nonprofit developers, aimed at fostering innovative housing projects for local residents. This dual approach reflects the Housing Authority's commitment to balancing market-driven sales with community-focused development.

As the meeting concluded, there were no public comments from attendees, either in person or online, indicating a potential need for increased community engagement in future discussions. The next meeting is scheduled for July, where further updates on housing initiatives will be shared. The decisions made during this meeting mark a significant step forward in addressing the pressing housing challenges faced by residents in Contra Costa County.