Salinas committee asks staff to return with housing, permitting and zoning presentations; public urges use of city properties for shelters

The Salinas Housing and Land Use Committee on Sept. 30 asked staff to develop and prioritize a slate of presentations next year on housing affordability, permitting, zoning reform and tenant navigation to inform future committee work.

The request came during an item titled “development of future housing and land use committee agenda topics,” presented by Vincent Montgomery, planning manager in the city’s Housing and Community Development Department. Committee members suggested topics they want staff to return with, including presentations on rent-stabilization processes, permitting timelines, zoning density and development feasibility.

Council member David Salazar said he “would more than welcome a housing affordability presentation,” asking staff to compare Salinas with similar cities and to…