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County staff presents renter and eviction data; board requests wider distribution and follow-up
Summary
Housing and Community Development presented a preliminary report May 13 showing roughly 30% of residents in unincorporated Monterey County are renters and that nearly half of renter households are cost-burdened; staff recommended continued use of census survey data and outlined the administrative implications of a rental registry.
Monterey County staff on May 13 presented a preliminary analysis of renter and eviction data for the county's unincorporated areas and recommended next steps including further data collection and possible policy options.
Craig Spencer, Housing and Community Development, told the board staff used U.S. Census Bureau sources (including the American Community Survey) to estimate that about 30% of residents in unincorporated Monterey County live in rental housing. Spencer said nearly half of renter households meet HUD's definition of cost-burdened (paying more than 30% of income for housing), and noted an increase in overcrowding measures (for example, units with more than two occupants per room rose between 2010 and 2023). He also reported coordination with the Sheriff's Office on court-ordered evictions since 2022 and said the Sheriff's Office does not capture eviction reasons in its records.
Spencer outlined that a rental registry is an option that would provide unit-level, up-to-date data (rental rates, number of bedrooms, owner contact, occupancy) but cautioned it is administratively intensive, potentially controversial, and would likely require an ordinance, registration fees, staffing and ongoing compliance monitoring.
Public commenters and board members urged continued work and broader distribution of the findings. Esther Malkin (Monterey County Renters United) called the analysis "really important data" and said cost-burdened renters are among those most at risk of homelessness. Michelle Clary noted the effect of rising rents on seniors and fixed-income residents.
Board members discussed next steps. Supervisor Kate Daniel (moved that day) and others said they want ongoing reporting; Supervisor Supervisor Askew and Supervisor Haskett urged the findings be used to coordinate county housing programs and nonprofit contracts. Supervisor Askew asked that HCD consult the county's homeless services and other program leads to better align funds and case management systems.
Chair Lopez asked staff to use the material as part of ongoing committee discussion. Supervisor Askin (via request) suggested the presentation be placed on the Health, Housing, Homelessness and Human Services (4H) committee agenda and that the county send the compiled data to state and federal delegates to support broader advocacy; the board signaled agreement.
HCD recommended continuing to use census-based survey data for county-wide trends but indicated staff can develop additional data collection (including the steps needed for a rental registry) if the board directs. The board gave direction to attach the presentation to the appropriate committee agenda and to prepare a non-action letter to state and federal representatives sharing the data for advocacy purposes.
(End)
