Sacramento County leaders approve plan to convert Residence Inn into affordable housing project

Sacramento County Converts Residence Inn into Affordable Housing

Sacramento County officials unanimously agreed on a plan to convert a Residence Inn into affordable housing. The hotel is located along Howe Avenue and the proposal aims to address homelessness on the American River Parkway using grant money from the state of California. The decision to allocate a portion of the $25 million in funds for this project was made after a vote at the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors meeting.

Utilizing Grant Money for Housing Conversion

The plan involves partnering with a Sacramento-based real estate investment group, Sutter Capital, to purchase the Residence Inn and transform it into housing. The hotel will be renovated to create 176 apartment units, with 32 units designated as “supportive housing” and the remaining units allocated for individuals who are employed but in need of housing below the current market rate.

Financial Allocation and Innovative Capital Structure

The vote authorized a payment of $8 million to support the acquisition of the Residence Inn property. Additionally, $5.9 million was allocated for ten years of operating costs for the 32 permanent units, and an extra $5.5 million was allocated to expand the interim shelter program by 50 beds. There is a surplus of approximately $5 million that has yet to be allocated. The county highlighted the innovative capital structure of the project, leveraging both public and private capital.

Benefits and Services

The Residence Inn housing plan offers several advantages, including the utilization of an existing building, eliminating the need for new construction. The county also emphasized that on-site services will be provided to individuals who may not have access to such services if they were to find housing independently.

Concerns and Collaboration

Sacramento City Council Member Karina Talamantes expressed her belief that the city should have been more involved in deciding how to best use the grant funds. She raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the county’s spending plans and the absence of collaboration with city leaders. Talamantes emphasized the need for relief in communities experiencing an increase in encampments.

Timeline and Future Plans

Sutter Capital is expected to finalize the purchase of the Residence Inn in October. The goal is to have new interim shelter beds available by Spring 2025, with the Residence Inn project opening by late 2025 or early 2026, according to the county.

Conclusion

The conversion of the Residence Inn into affordable housing represents a significant step towards addressing homelessness in Sacramento County. By utilizing grant funds and collaborating with private investors, the county aims to provide housing options for individuals in need while also offering essential services. The project aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by promoting inclusive and affordable housing solutions.

References

1. Sacramento County Board of Supervisors Meeting
2. KCRA 3’s LeeAnne Denyer
3. Top California Stories
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology, and financial services, including microfinance.
• SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
• SDG 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 1.4.2: Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive their rights to land as secure, by sex and type of tenure.
• Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing.
• Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and civil society partnerships.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: kcra.com