San Benito County to review Local Tenant Preference Ordinance plans

SAN BENITO COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) -- San Benito County supervisors will hear plans for a new program that would prioritize locals when it comes to affordable housing units.

The Local Tenant Preference Ordinance would apply to certain individuals and families during the application process.

This includes people who live or work locally, school district and agriculture workers, seniors, people with disabilities, and more.

Supervisor Kosmicki says this part of the board's efforts to focus more on affordable housing instead of the single-family developments built in recent decades.

San Benito County to approve Local Tenant Preference ordinance

SAN BENITO COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) - San Benito County is moving forward with a new program that will prioritize locals when it comes to affordable housing units.

The Local Tenant Preference ordinance means existing residents will be given preference on applications for affordable housing units.

This includes current and displaced residents, local county and school district workers, and those facing high rent or household costs. Other preferred applicants include public safety workers, first responders, and healthcare workers.

Supervisor Kosmicki says this is part of the board's efforts to focus more on affordable housing instead of the single-family developments built in recent decades.

Other policies, along with the ordinance, include requiring more affordable housing projects to meet housing market standards, creating mixed-use developments, and preventing housing development projects in areas prone to fires or flooding.

The Board of Supervisors will return for a formal approval at the meeting on Sept. 23.