San Luis Obispo says 3,000 housing units permitted since 2019; officials press state on regional housing numbers

San Luis Obispo city officials reported steady housing production and a string of recently completed and near‑term projects aimed at affordable and supportive housing. Community Development Director Timmy Tu said the city has permitted more than 3,000 housing units since 2019, with more than 700 deed‑restricted affordable units approved since 2019.

Timmy Tu highlighted specific projects: the Maxine Lewis Apartments (39 permanent supportive units), Tiburon Place (68 units), and Beacon Studios (conversion of a motel to more than 70 supportive units). The presentation also noted Avalon Ranch phases, the Monterey Senior Apartments (55 affordable senior units) and companion Monterey Family Apartments (51 units) now under construction.

Officials described policy work to support housing: updated building codes in response to state fire hazard map changes, informational handbooks for ADUs, and study sessions on safe housing and renter registry concepts. On homelessness response, the city described its mobile crisis unit (nearly 3,000 contacts in 2025, 151 mental health crisis calls and 46 transports), community action team referrals and a rotating safe‑parking program tied to service referrals.

Mayor Erica A. Stewart and staff addressed the state’s draft regional housing numbers (RENA), saying the county sent an objection letter arguing that the state’s formula produced an unusually large allocation (the transcript referenced "7,000 plus" for the county in a draft). The mayor said cities requested clarification and additional funding from the state and are awaiting a response within the 45‑day objection period.

The city also announced the Welcome Home Village, a collaborative shelter and services campus that officials said will house people formerly in the Bob Jones bike trail encampment; staff described the project as a three‑year effort that used innovative elements including 3D‑printed homes in partnership with nonprofit providers.