Wellington staff urge opting into Prop 1‑23 and seeking housing planning grants to meet state requirements

Planning staff told the Planning Commission they recommend that Wellington opt into Proposition 1‑23 and pursue related grant programs and a local fast‑track process to help meet state housing requirements and to access grant funds, staff said at a Planning Commission meeting.

Britney Lenore, planning staff responsible for housing programs, explained the Prop 1‑23 framework and eligibility for grants. "Our baseline was calculated using guidance from DOLA ... the baseline was 52 units. A 3% increase would equate to 2 new affordable units by the end of the reporting cycle, 12/31/2026," Lenore said. Staff emphasized that the commitment is voluntary and that failing to meet it would make the town ineligible for some funds for a year but would not require repayment of previously awarded grants.

Background: the town has completed a housing needs and affordability assessment (required under Senate Bill 24‑174) and must adopt a housing action plan by 2028 and update its comprehensive plan to include a water supply element and strategic growth element by Dec. 31, 2026, staff said. The…