Social Services Commission - April 1, 2026

The City of Davis Social Services Commission held a special meeting on April 1, 2026, focused on discussing the revised draft affordable housing plan for the Willow Grove project. The developers presented updates including a commitment to build 250 deed-restricted affordable units, exceeding the city code requirement of 141 units, without relying on city loans or housing trust fund grants. Pacific Companies, an experienced affordable housing developer, explained their financing strategy leveraging economies of scale and a simplified capital stack involving federal tax credits, permanent loans, and recycled bonds. The commission discussed the project's baseline features, financing risks, and the absence of for-sale affordable units within the 10.1-acre affordable site, noting the inclusion of attainable market-rate condos elsewhere in the development. Public comments emphasized the importance of affordability and accessibility, especially for individuals with developmental disabilities, with 10 units reserved for this population. The commission expressed support for the plan while recommending further consideration of housing trust fund strategies and for-sale affordable housing options during upcoming planning commission deliberations.