At its May 7 meeting, the Planning Commission received an annual housing element and ADU report: staff said the city has reached about 27.5% of its RHNA target so far in the cycle and that in the last two years roughly 1,027 housing units were produced, about 893 of which were affordable (about 86%). Commissioners discussed strategies to spur moderate‑income and for‑sale housing, including ADU outreach, fee deferral/loans, and SB9/SB10 implementation.

Council adopted code amendments aligning relocation assistance and replacement-housing rules with state law and created a three‑tier schedule (0–14 days, 15–59 days, 60+ days) for payments; council also clarified the tenant definition and narrowed some city exemptions.

The California Housing Finance Agency board on Oct. 16 approved Resolution 25-25 authorizing a $36.5 million first-lien permanent loan and a $4 million subordinate mixed-income loan to finance construction of 140 mixed-income units at 831 Water Street in Santa Cruz.

Council addresses housing stability and affordability challenges during public discussions.

Residents urge Santa Cruz council to prioritize affordable housing in downtown expansion plans.

Residents urge council to prioritize affordable housing and community involvement in expansion plans.

Project set to begin construction in spring 2024, incorporating community feedback and design updates.

Community members advocate for a transformative housing project to enhance Santa Cruz's vibrancy.

City leaders explore flexible housing solutions to address single-person household needs.

Newfoundland aims to house 300 students, easing pressure on local residential neighborhoods.

Local residents voice concerns over proposed six-story student housing project in Santa Cruz