LIVE OAK, CA (MPG) – As construction ramps up in residential developments throughout Live Oak, the City Council took further steps at its regular meeting August 22 to further prepare and secure funding for increased growth.

First item on the agenda was concerning the application for SB2 Planning Grants. The Housing and Community Development (HCD) department is currently accepting applications for the grants, which could put aside approximately $128 million dollars to establish permanent funding sources with the intent to increase affordable housing in California. Of course, Live Oak would get a portion of that figure. The SB2 grants awarded are determined by municipality size and based on population. The City of Live Oak qualifies for a minimum of $25,000 up to the maximum of $160,000. Better yet, the city would not have to match the funds they receive if awarded the grant funding.

City Planner Kevin Valante recommended that the city apply for the grant money and outlined just a portion of what the city could use the funding for. As with any grant, there are specific requirements on what the recipient can or needs to do with the awarded funds. Based on planning needs of the City, the funding could be used towards updating the City’s land use pattern, updating the City’s background General Plan studies, including utilities and circulation, and prepare an AB1600 Fee Study (fee reduction strategy for developers and more).

Additionally, the City is beginning the steps of a Community Vision, which is intended to serve to influence the City’s future land use pattern. The City plans to re-designate land through a new zoning map and general plan land use amendment that will be reflective of the community vision and housing element update, complying with the Region Housing Needs Allocation cycle to accelerated housing. The Community Vision for Live Oak could potentially recreate Live Oak as previously known.

Live Oak is currently expanding with construction of new homes and apartments in the KB homes neighborhood, Silver Oaks Subdivision and Kristen Court ramping up to accommodate the sharp increase in need of affordable housing.  The City of Live Oak entered into a loan agreement in December of 2017 with the HCD in order to assist with the gap in financing for the Kristen Court complex that would create a 24-unit rental complex for low income housing. That too was on the agenda for the council members as they approved the agreement for the project.

It is clear between the infrastructure developments and updates underway throughout the city, application for grant monies and aid specific to roadways and residential developments, that the City of Live Oak is preparing for growth, at least in its residential areas. The question is, as the city brings in more affordable housing, low-income homes and apartments to accommodate the increase in housing needs throughout the area, how will that impact the schools and already strained commercial areas? It is up to the City to make sure that as growth occurs and population increases, Live Oak benefits throughout.