How does Santa Clara ensure affordable housing is part of new developments?

Santa Clara focuses on incentivizing developers to incorporate affordable housing units into new developments as a strategic approach to addressing housing needs within the community. This method is effective because it encourages developers to think beyond profit and consider community welfare in the planning stages of their projects. By offering incentives, such as tax breaks, density bonuses, or expedited permitting processes, the city makes it more attractive for developers to include affordable housing options as part of their developments.

This approach acknowledges the importance of affordable housing in promoting a diverse and inclusive community. It helps balance the need for new housing stock with the pressing requirement that some of that stock be available to lower-income families and individuals. Ensuring that affordable housing is integrated into new developments also contributes to more sustainable and equitable urban growth, which is a significant goal for Santa Clara as it continues to develop.

The other choices do not effectively address the issue of affordable housing within new developments. Ignoring community input overlooks the perspectives and needs of residents. Collecting data on housing needs, while important for planning, does not translate directly into action. Allowing only high-rise buildings restricts the types of developments that can occur but does not inherently guarantee that affordable units will be included. Thus, incentivizing developers is the most proactive and effective strategy