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Approve a contract with Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. totaling $559,909 to conduct two planning studies, one on the feasibility of affordable housing and a second on pocket neighborhood and cottage housing developments in unincorporated Solano County for the current period through June 30, 2028 funded by a grant awarded by the State of California’s Community Development Block Grant program; and Delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the contract and any amendments within allocated CDBG grant funds
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No __X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No __X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Resource Management recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve a contract with Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. for $559,909 (Attachment A) to conduct two planning studies, one on the feasibility of affordable housing and a second on pocket neighborhood and cottage housing developments in unincorporated Solano County for the current period through June 30, 2028 using funds awarded through the State of California’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program; and
2. Delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the contract and any amendments within allocated CDBG grant funds.
SUMMARY:
On December 10, 2024, the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 2024-213 (Attachment B), authorizing the Department of Resource Management to submit a competitive grant application for up to $600,000 to the State of California’s CDBG program, administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), to support conducting two planning feasibility studies focused on affordable housing for low- to moderate-income residents.
The Department was awarded the CDBG Program HCD Grant (Attachment C) on September 3, 2025. In coordination with General Services, the Department initiated a procurement process that included issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP), evaluating submissions and interviewing top-ranked firms meeting the criteria of the CDBG Program and HCD requirements. Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. (LWC) was selected to carry out the CDBG-funded planning project consisting of two complementary planning feasibility studies.
The $559,909 contract will fund two planning studies to evaluate the feasibility of various housing types and potential development sites in unincorporated Solano County for affordable housing, with the second study focused on pocket neighborhood/cottage housing developments. LWC will analyze market demand, including demand from agricultural workers and small households; determine the minimum number of units needed for financial feasibility; and evaluate ownership models such as condominiums, land trusts and cooperatives to support long-term affordability. The planning studies will also identify zoning and density constraints and assess infrastructure needs. The overall goal of the planning studies is to expand affordable housing options in unincorporated areas of the County and enhance quality of life for low- and moderate-income residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The HCD grant allows reimbursement up to $39,252 for administration and the remainder for development of both studies, provided the funds are expended within three years of the execution date of the HCD Standard Agreement. There is no impact on the General Fund.
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the Department’s FY2025/26 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
The CDBG-funded project consists of two complementary planning feasibility studies.
Affordable Housing Development Site Feasibility Study
Solano County adopted its 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) in November 2023, which requires the County accommodate 315 housing units by 2031. The 2008 General Plan Agricultural Policy AG.P-33 allows for the redesignation of up to 50 acres of land designated “Agriculture” to a residential designation per calendar year, provided certain criteria are met, including that the land will be used for low- and very-low-income housing development.
This Affordable Housing Development Site Feasibility Study will identify and evaluate up to 500 acres of candidate agricultural lands suitable for future conversion to low/very low-income housing sites over the next ten years. The selection of candidate sites will be conducted through public outreach, market analysis and evaluation of the capacity of special districts and utility providers. The study will assess potential financing mechanisms, such as a Community Services District or an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District and evaluate the feasibility of such mechanisms. It will also identify impediments to preparing sites for development such as high fire severity zones and infrastructure limitations to support future development of housing for low-income families.
Pocket Neighborhood/Cottage Housing Development Feasibility Study
This study will assess restrictions, requirements and opportunities to establish pocket neighborhood/cottage housing developments. These neighborhoods consist of clusters of 4 to 12 small dwelling units organized around shared open space, offering an affordable, community-oriented alternative to traditional single-family homes and large apartment complexes.
The study will analyze market demand, including demand from agricultural workers, seniors and small households; determine the minimum number of units needed for financial feasibility; and evaluate ownership models such as condominiums, land trusts and cooperatives to support long-term affordability. It will also identify zoning, density and infrastructure that may constrain the development of pocket neighborhoods/cottage housing units.
The overall goal of the Pocket Neighborhood/Cottage Housing Development Feasibility Study is to support compact, affordable housing in unincorporated areas while preserving agricultural land by avoiding low-density sprawl.
Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc.
LWC will conduct the County’s Affordable Housing and Pocket Neighborhood/Cottage Housing Feasibility Studies, providing technical analyses and strategic recommendations. The County is contracting this work because the project requires specialized expertise, industry-specific tools and compliance with CDBG Program requirements that cannot be met with existing staff within the grant’s three-year timeframe.
The studies will begin spring 2026 and include a countywide site inventory; analysis of zoning and policy constraints; market and demographic studies; development of 3D housing prototypes; pro forma modeling; and infrastructure evaluations. The studies will also recommend General Plan and zoning updates, development of implementation tools and an outline of funding strategies.
Community engagement will include focus groups, surveys and workshops. The consultant will compile all findings into a comprehensive final report to be presented to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors following completion of a public review draft report.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to approve the contract with LWC. This is not recommended since the feasibility studies will support the County’s effort towards achieving the adopted RHNA requirements and furthers the goals identified within the County’s Housing Element.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Department coordinated with General Services during the RFP process.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION