Antioch council continues study of inclusionary housing ordinance after wide public debate

Lede: Antioch city staff returned to council on Aug. 26 for a follow‑up study session on a proposed inclusionary housing ordinance, asking elected officials for policy direction after public comment that ranged from legal cautions to demands for deeper affordability. Nut graf: The meeting focused on whether the city should require market‑rate housing projects to provide on‑site affordable units or allow alternatives (in‑lieu fees, off‑site units), how large a set‑aside to require, and how to structure incentives. Staff reiterated a preliminary 15% set‑aside and emphasized on‑site production; housing advocates urged a 20% baseline targeted to very low and extremely low income households. Council members agreed to continue the item for a longer, structured session on Sept. 16 for further direction. Body: City Manager Scott opened the Aug. 26 study session and said staff sought direction on core design choices: “Do you want a strong emphasis on on‑site construction? ... Is it in perpetuity, 55 years, 10 years, whatever?” (City Manager Scott). David Storer, interim community and economic development director, and Zoe,…