Oakley council backs revitalization plan and letter of intent for 11-acre Excel Group housing project

The Oakley City Council voted unanimously Dec. 15 to let the mayor sign a community revitalization plan and an intent letter to support an Excel Group housing application for an 11-acre site on 8th Street. Raylene Keller, who delivered the housing update, said Excel Group plans to submit its application on Jan. 12, with a possible preapproval in April and award decisions expected in August.

Keller said the package aims to score points under a state/local grant system by showing city commitment through adoption of a revitalization plan, pursuing a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) and waiving certain city development fees. She described the proposed build as roughly 20–24 duplexes (about 10–12 duplex units) and about 10 single-family houses for sale, with duplexes intended for low- and moderate-income rental thresholds.

Council members asked questions about utilities, annexation and whether the RHID funding would require taxpayer backing. Keller and staff said RHID-funded infrastructure (water and sewer extensions) is based on projected incremental tax revenue and is not expected to come directly from city funds beyond routine legal costs for RHID application and any small connections. Keller offered to arrange a follow-up briefing with a regional housing official to clarify technical and financial details.

After discussion, Russ moved and Trevor seconded a motion allowing the mayor to sign the revitalization plan and letter of intent; the motion passed unanimously. Council members said the letter did not obligate the city to construction or financing, but signaled municipal support to improve the project's competitiveness for state and federal funding.

The next steps described in the meeting are submission of Excel Group's application (Jan. 12), potential preapproval in April and award decisions in August; staff said they would circulate draft materials from the developer once available.