Housing Affordability

Housing is one of the most complex issues facing our city and a topic that residents regularly cite as top of mind.

An important starting point is acknowledging that housing affordability has been a concern in PG for several decades. In 1970, homes in PG were relatively affordable compared to income.

That changed by 1980, when the median home became worth about six times the income of a typical PG household. By 1990, it was nearly eight times, and today it is more than 11 times.

Pacific Grove’s housing supply tells another part of the story. Most growth in our housing stock happened in the 1970s. Since then, we’ve added comparatively few homes.

Additionally, the share of homes used part-time has grown from less than 1 percent in 1980 to about 10 percent today. The result is that in practical terms, the number of homes available to PG residents has changed very little in more than four decades.

Implementing the Housing Element

The city’s Housing Element is now certified and reflects considerable resident input. I’m supportive of increasing housing density in certain areas, making it easier to create ADUs, and adding housing in appropriate commercial zones.

The challenge now is turning capacity into actual homes.

PG’s approach is not an easy path. Implementing the Housing Element will depend largely on property owners deciding to build an ADU, add units, or redevelop a property.

That will take patient work with individuals who may not have taken on a construction project before or may not have the capital or financing readily available to build ADUs or retrofit commercial buildings.

Some cities have contracted with nonprofits to help residents navigate this, an approach PG could consider.

Helping People Stay in Their Homes

I’m supportive of PG’s current housing rehabilitation programs, which make a real difference for residents who want to stay in their homes when facing costly repairs.

With most available funding already allocated, I’d like to explore how philanthropic partners could help. This is especially important as residents age in place.

I’d also like us to make better use of partnerships with organizations such as ECHO Housing to help residents navigate rental instability, landlord-tenant matters, and available assistance.

Connection to Economic Opportunity

Housing affordability is also closely connected to economic opportunity and expanding access to good-paying jobs on the Peninsula.

I think we need to work on both sides of that equation if we want Pacific Grove to be a place where people at different stages of life can make a home.

As one example, I’d like to see us working with key employers in the region, such as in the healthcare, academic, and marine science sectors, as new residents move to the Peninsula.