Supervisors approve REACH amendment to develop economic baseline for unincorporated areas

The Board approved amendment No. 1 to an existing agreement with REACH on July 28 to produce a baseline economic and housing study focused on unincorporated areas.

Supervisor Gibson raised concerns about the return on more than $1 million in prior investments to REACH and questioned whether the revised scope would deliver new information. "The scope of work that was brought in February was extremely vague," Gibson said during deliberations. Supervisor Ortiz Legg and Supervisor Pashong supported the amendment and noted the county will partner REACH work with Planning and Building to make the product useful for the upcoming housing element update.

Assistant CEO Kate Valentine told the board the aim is to have the report out in spring; Planning and Building Director Trevor Keith said the county will use the baseline information to inform the housing element update and other local work. The board approved the amendment by roll call.