County assessment finds farmworkers have low pay, food and housing stress; supervisors ask staff to develop housing plan

A county health assessment presented to the Yolo County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 28 found that many local farmworkers face chronic health conditions, low pay and housing and food insecurity. The board directed staff to work with supervisors Lucas Frerichs and Reza Barajas to develop housing solutions and return with recommendations.

Survey and methodology Rebecca Tryon, manager of the Healthy Communities Initiative in Public Health, said staff conducted 301 in‑person, one‑on‑one interviews and 10 focus groups (54 participants) from September 2023 through March 2024. The assessment defined “farmworker” broadly to include people who work in production, processing and maintenance of agricultural commodities.

Key findings - Residency and demographics: Nearly all respondents (96%) live in Yolo County permanently; the median/most common age range was about 47–48, indicating an aging workforce. About 92% were born outside the United States. - Income and housing: The median annual income for respondents was about $20,000. A majority reported renting (81%); 41% of renters said housing costs exceeded half their monthly income. Respondents identified permanent affordable housing, rental assistance and utility assistance as top housing needs. - Food and financial security: More than half the respondents reported food insecurity; 73% said they could not pay a $400 emergency expense; 46% reported utility payment hardship. - Health and access to care: Sixty‑three percent reported one or more chronic conditions; top conditions were high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and anxiety/panic disorder. Seventy percent reported receiving regular checkups and 72% reported having health insurance, but 44% reported financial barriers to services and a significant share seek medical or dental services in Mexico. - Environmental risk: Forty‑six percent reported symptoms of heat‑related illness; most of those reporting heat impacts were older than 40.

Voices from the field Farmworkers who spoke to the assessment emphasized financial stress and the desire to remain in the county. One participant said, “We need low income housing, housing that we can buy,” while another said, “The biggest stress right now is not earning enough for rent and food.”

Board discussion and housing options County staff and supervisors used the assessment as the basis for a broader discussion about housing solutions tailored to farmworkers. Stephanie Cormier of the Department of Community Services outlined several possible approaches discussed with community partners: - Study and update the Capay Valley area plan and consider an agricultural district overlay to streamline permits and zoning for targeted development; - Pilot development in areas with infrastructure capacity or work to address water and sewer constraints in rural areas; - Partner with Yolo County Housing and community land trusts to preserve long‑term affordability; - Explore use of county surplus land, encourage city partnerships for annexation and consider fee waivers or permit streamlining for farmworker housing projects.

Public comment and a community proposal Paul Mueller, a Capay Valley landowner and advocate, described a community land trust approach his group is developing to acquire 43 acres and preserve housing for farmworkers under long‑term affordability easements. Mueller said such a model would allow farmworkers to build equity in improvements while the land remains held for long‑term affordability.

Board action Supervisor Reza Barajas moved, and Supervisor Oscar Villegas seconded, a motion directing staff to continue work with Supervisors Frerichs and Barajas and return with a plan addressing the issues raised, including potential pilot projects and policy options. The board voted unanimously to approve the direction and asked staff to return with a formal work plan and proposed timeline for further board consideration.

What to watch Staff said the plan will identify which policy tools are feasible, funding gaps and near‑term pilot options; supervisors asked staff to return with findings and recommendations in coming months so the board can consider potential actions during the budget process and in future planning.