Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Homelessness topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council forms two‑member housing and homelessness subcommittee to streamline local advisory structure
Summary
The council voted 4‑0‑1 to create a two‑member subcommittee on housing and homelessness (Councilmember Scott and Councilwoman Ramirez) and to streamline the existing seven‑member advisory group; the item followed staff and outside presentations about housing programs and regional coordination.
The Twentynine Palms City Council on a 4‑0‑1 vote established a two‑member council subcommittee on housing and homelessness and named Councilmember Scott and Councilwoman April Ramirez to the panel. The move is intended to streamline the current seven‑member advisory committee and to improve coordination with county and regional housing partners.
City staff described the existing advisory body — which included planning commissioners and two at‑large members — and outlined options: expand or reduce membership, remove planning commission representation, create a council subcommittee, or dissolve the committee entirely. Council members said a smaller council subcommittee should improve speed and alignment with the city’s broader work on housing and regional programs.
Presentations to the council included a remote briefing by NPHS (an affordable housing nonprofit) and a local nonprofit summary of senior services. Jesse (NPHS) described programs NPHS administers for affordable homeownership, down‑payment and closing cost assistance, and manufactured housing products, and outlined available funding mechanisms and administrative fees. As Jesse said during the presentation, the statewide Realtors closing cost program “is up to $10,000 and no strings attached,” and NPHS described multiple loan and grant programs used to bridge gaps to affordable homeownership.
Council action: A motion to establish a council housing and homelessness subcommittee consisting of Councilmember Scott and Councilwoman Ramirez passed by roll call: Councilwoman Ramirez: Aye; Councilmember Scott: Aye; Councilmember Wright: absent; Mayor Pro Tem Mintz: Aye; Mayor Bilderink: Aye. The clerk recorded the item as approved 4‑0‑1.
Why it matters: Councilmembers said a smaller subcommittee will allow faster coordination with the county’s East Desert Regional Steering Committee and with nonprofit partners that deliver supportive housing and rehabilitation programs. Councilmembers also cited planned regional technical assistance and county funding efforts to assemble unified referral and service pathways.
Next steps and related events: Staff and partners announced a Coachella Valley Housing Coalition qualification clinic scheduled for July 12 (10 a.m.–1 p.m.) at Lucky Park Activity Center and a public meeting with State Senator Ochoa‑Bogh planned for Aug. 21. Councilmembers said the subcommittee will receive materials from staff and regional partners and report recommendations back to the full council.
