Atwater Council authorizes PLHA plan amendment to expand eligibility to 120% of AMI
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Summary
The council voted to authorize an application to amend the city's Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) plan, broadening eligibility (up to 120% area median income) and increasing assistance amounts to make loans for first‑time buyers and ADU construction more feasible.
The Atwater City Council on Dec. 8 unanimously authorized an application to amend the city's Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) plan to broaden eligibility and raise per‑household assistance amounts, the city manager said during a public hearing.
City Manager (speaker 16) said the change would raise the area median income threshold to 120% AMI for certain programs so first‑time buyers, ADU builders and other eligible residents could qualify for program loans and other assistance. "This item is to increase, the broaden the reach that this program can have by making the eligibility requirements easier for people to meet," the city manager said.
There was no public testimony on the item and councilmembers moved to approve the authorization. Clerk announced the motion as "Motion by Raymond, second by Ambreese"; the roll call vote was recorded as yes by Rochester, Kale, Raymond, Ambreese and Nelson and the motion passed.
Why it matters: Expanding PLHA eligibility and increasing allowable loan amounts can extend locally administered housing funds to households above the prior AMI threshold, potentially supporting more owner‑occupied housing and accessory dwelling unit construction in Atwater. The program will be administered through the city's third‑party partner, Self Help Enterprises, as noted in the staff report.
Next steps: Staff will file the authorized application and continue coordination with Self Help Enterprises to implement the revised eligibility structure if the state approves the amendment.
