Project Recommendation #5
Project Recommendation #5
The Area Agency on Aging will partner with local jurisdictions to develop strategies for siting and incentivizing the development of age- and disability-friendly housing units.
California's 5 Bold Goals: Housing for All Ages & Stages; Affording Aging
AARP's 8 Domains of Livability: Housing
Overwhelmingly, the greatest need identified through Merced County’s community needs assessment is more affordable and accessible housing for older adults and people with disabilities. There simply are not enough affordable senior and accessible housing units across the county, especially in the rural, unincorporated areas. According to the California Housing Partnership, there is a shortfall of 8,738 affordable and available rental homes in Merced County.
There are a number of tools available to the County and local jurisdictions to develop adequate housing to meet the needs of older adults and people with disabilities, especially lower and moderate-income households. Local governments can indirectly facilitate the development of more affordable housing through effective administration of land-use controls and by providing appropriate regulatory concessions and incentives.They can offer direct support for the development of affordable housing through various financing mechanisms, including the issuance of municipal and mortgage revenue bonds and use of local funds and authority.
Direct assistance can also be provided through the utilization of appropriate federal and state financing and subsidy programs to create rental and ownership opportunities. Local governments can create first-time homebuyer, equity-sharing, or self-help housing programs to provide affordable homeownership opportunities. They should also assist and support developers in making applications for other public or private housing funds or low-income housing tax credits.
Working with the building community — especially nonprofit housing developers, advocacy groups, and tenants — can make this requirement (to assist in the development of housing) easier and more effective. Local governments can support existing nonprofit housing developers or help establish new joint ventures and local housing sponsors. Popular approaches include establishing a local housing authority or working with an established nonprofit development corporation or community-based housing development organization to develop, operate, and manage low- and moderate-income housing projects.
Merced County offers a number of public and private housing programs and resources. Central Valley Coalition for Affordable Housing is a nonprofit organization serving residents’ needs through the development of social, economic and affordable housing opportunities. The Merced City and County Continuum of Care, Merced County Department of Community & Economic Development, and the Merced County Housing Authority all provide housing and homelessness support services for the County’s most vulnerable residents.
Collaborating with incorporated cities, unincorporated areas, and private housing partners across the county, as well as with loan and grant programs at the state and federal level, Merced County Area Agency on Aging staff would require more than twenty-four (24) months after the adoption of this Action Plan by the County Board of Supervisors to impact the development new senior and accessible housing.
Merced County Area Agency on Aging staff will meet with each of the incorporated cities and unincorporated areas to discuss housing development strategies by June 30, 2026.
Detailed strategy documents, with action steps, timelines, fund development approaches, and partner contact information, will be developed with each local jurisdiction by June 30, 2027.
Merced County will site and approve for construction one (1) new senior and/or accessible housing complex by June 30, 2030.
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