Soledad highlights Senderos transitional housing and 540 Gavilan affordable-housing site

Mayor Anna Velasquez and city staff described recent housing activity and planned projects as central to Soledad’s strategic goals.

Velasquez said the city used state encampment-resolution grant funds to build the Senderos Project, a 14-unit modular transitional-housing development providing on-site services. "Everyone that has moved into the Senderos project is able to, to get, permanent housing and a job," she said, adding the project aims to help residents secure stable employment and housing.

The mayor said the city faces a state obligation to facilitate construction of 734 units by 2031. To address that, the council approved an exclusive agreement with Eden Housing for the 540 Gavilan Street site, a 4.6-acre parcel the mayor said "will provide a 100 units of affordable housing" once completed; staff later noted community outreach could support a plan of up to 130 units.

City staff also said the council allocated $300,000 toward a first-time homebuyer assistance program and is seeking additional funding to expand that program.

Velasquez acknowledged community feedback and said park amenities (the future Toledo Basin park) adjacent to the 540 Gavilan site will reflect resident input. City officials said the housing work includes applying for state and federal funds and revising zoning ordinances to speed permitting where possible.

The city did not provide full financing or construction timelines for each project during the address; details and planning materials are available via the city’s strategic-plan materials and forthcoming community outreach.