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Legislator Ramos backs RFP for countywide housing study to guide Orange County policy
Summary
The Human Services Committee approved a resolution to authorize an RFP for a countywide housing study to inform future housing investments and policy; Legislator Genesis Ramos said the county lacks sufficient data to make funding decisions and called the study an investment in economic development and workforce retention.
The Orange County Human Services Committee voted April 21 to authorize the Commissioner of General Services to issue a Request for Proposals for a countywide housing study intended to support the Housing Task Force Committee.
Legislator Genesis Ramos, who described herself as the current chair of the Housing Task Force, told the committee the county needs robust data before committing funds: "Everyone agrees they have a housing crisis in Orange County," she said, adding that the study should examine supply and demand, affordability, development feasibility, infrastructure constraints, transportation, and fiscal impacts on municipalities. Ramos said the Office of Community Development and the Housing Task Force will help shape the RFP and review incoming proposals.
Committee members pressed for coordination with existing data sources. "Include the Department of Planning because they have so much available data and are a great resource," Mr. Cheney said, urging the study team to leverage municipal planning datasets to strengthen consultant analysis. Ramos replied the resolution's scope was intentionally broad — "including but not limited to" the listed topics — because the final RFP will reflect input from reviewers and steering committee members.
The discussion also touched on likely funding sources. Ramos said she had surveyed neighboring counties to estimate costs but did not provide a specific dollar figure at the meeting, and she indicated the Legislature would return with an appropriation request after reviewing consultant proposals. The resolution was moved by Janet Sutherland and seconded by Jonathan Redeker; the motion carried with committee approval recorded as "All in favor."
