Council approves funding amendment for Taber Commons, supporters urge strong labor standards

The Fairfield City Council approved a consent‑calendar item amending the development loan agreement and reallocating HOME and local housing trust funds for the Taber Commons affordable housing project. Project manager Bryce Lockard told the council the developer plans to begin construction in February on 67 affordable units if the consent item passed: "We are full steam ahead to start construction in February for 67 units of affordable housing." The motion to approve the item was moved by Vice Mayor Bertani and seconded by Councilman Sandhu; the council voted unanimously to adopt the consent item.

Speakers at the consent discussion included County Supervisor Monica Brown, who noted the county's vote on related funding, and Nicole Gordillo, a field representative for the North Coast State Carpenters Union (Alaco 180). Gordillo urged the council to ensure the developer follows strong labor standards so workers are not exploited and job sites remain safe, saying strong labor standards are important "so bad actors won't be let in." The city clerk recorded the motion, the second and a unanimous 'aye' vote in support.

Staff described an increase in affordable housing fee credits and an amendment to local housing trust fund allocations to enable the Taber Commons project to move forward. Council members indicated support for expedited construction and partnership with county and nonprofit partners to deliver housing units.