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Gateway Cities Affordable Housing Trust briefs Huntington Park council on programs, invites city to join
Summary
A consultant for the Gateway Cities Affordable Housing Trust outlined the JPA's structure, funding sources including Measure A and a $5 million SCAG grant, programs funded to date and enrollment steps; councilmembers requested assurances about siting equity and local prioritization if Huntington Park joins.
Huntington Park — A representative of the Gateway Cities Affordable Housing Trust gave a 20-minute presentation Oct. 14 outlining the JPA's role financing affordable housing and inviting Huntington Park to join the regional trust.
The presenter described the trust as a joint powers authority that fills financing gaps developers face when building affordable or permanent supportive housing, noting the trust has committed about $7 million to projects through two NOFAs in its first two years. The presenter said the trust has attracted state and county grants and secured a $5 million SCAG grant that will be matched by a community development financial institution to create a $10 million acquisition and predevelopment loan program.
Why it matters: The trust provides gap financing and technical assistance that can make affordable projects more competitive for state and federal grants, and it can support projects that yield RHNA (Regional Housing Needs Assessment) credit for member cities.
Council members asked how the JPA prevents project concentration in lower-income communities and how Huntington Park could prioritize local sites. The presenter said the trust would not fund any project without the host city's consent: "No project that the trust funds would ever be built unless the city of Huntington Park agrees they want that project," the presenter said. He urged cities to identify sites and to do outreach to developers; he cited Glendale as a model where the city acquired and entitled sites to attract developers.
The presentation also described potential programs including multifamily rental loans, homeownership and ADU programs, rental rehab, and an acquisition/predevelopment line that is expected to roll out in the first quarter of next year. An annual membership fee applies; the presenter said Huntington Park's fee is "just over $15,000 per year" and that a city can withdraw with six months' notice.
Next steps: Staff said the presentation was for information and that council would consider joining in a future meeting after staff review. The presenter offered to return for a workshop and listening session for local officials and developers.
Provenance: Presentation materials and staff Q&A were given during the meeting's community presentations.
