Taft Planning Commission backs 2025 housing-element progress report, sends recommendation to City Council

The City of Taft Planning Commission on Feb. 4 adopted a resolution recommending that City Council approve the 2025 annual progress report for the city’s sixth‑cycle housing element (2023–2031) and related general plan findings, and directed that the package be submitted to the state by the April 1 deadline.

Jenna, a remote presenter, told commissioners the report “is required by the state, and it's to report on the status and progress in implementing both the housing element and the general plan.” She said the commission’s recommendation would be forwarded to City Council and then submittal to the state for the statutory review process.

After brief discussion noting much of the material had previously been reviewed during the general‑plan update, the chair opened the public hearing. Seeing no members of the public listed to speak, the chair closed the hearing and an unidentified commissioner moved to adopt a resolution recommending City Council approve and confirm the findings of the 2025 annual progress report and the sixth‑cycle housing element. The motion included a finding that the action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under Section 15061(b)(3). The motion was seconded and adopted by the commissioners present.

The chair said the commission’s action will be transmitted to City Council for its formal approval and subsequent state submittal. The commission reported no public comments were received on the item during the meeting.

Other business at the brief meeting included approval of the minutes as submitted and the designation of Commissioner Dowden as the commission’s representative to the City Council meeting scheduled for Feb. 17. The commission adjourned after those items.