Watsonville
In Compliance
Out of Compliance
Unincorporated Area
Unincorporated Area
Unincorporated Area
Overview
Population
52457
Avg. Household Income
$
72295
Experiencing Rent Burden
55
Providing adequate housing options is a key function of local governments. To help residents ensure their local government is meeting this need, we’ve compiled important information about this jurisdiction’s housing efforts below.
Housing Element is In Compliance
This city is currently working on implementing its housing element.
Housing Element is Out of Compliance
This city is currently working on implementing its housing element.
Good Progress
This city is currently on track to meet their RHNA housing targets.
Making Slow Progress
This city is falling behind. It is not on track to meet its housing targets.
Housing Targets
Every 8 years California assesses housing need and assigns each city with a target they must hit. If
Watsonville
repeats its efforts from the previous cycle
it will only meet 74% of the identified need.
Current RHNA Target
2023
-
2031
On Target
Behind
Hit Target
Missed
Very Low Income
Low Income
Median Income
Above Median Income
State Statutes
Organizers fighting for fair housing can use many state laws to ensure that jurisdictions meet their housing targets.
Builder’s Remedy
When a city’s Housing Element is out of compliance, the Builder’s Remedy allows developers to bypass the zoning code and city general plan for qualifying affordable housing projects. If a Builders Remedy project application was submitted prior to 1/1/2025, there are virtually no limits on the size and density of a project proposed. Subsequent to 1/1/2025, in exchange for more certainty in the entitlement process, AB 1893 limits the density for Builders Remedy projects.
Does not apply
Does not apply
Does not apply
SB 423
When cities lack a compliant housing element or are behind on RHNA, this statute streamlines approval of projects that meet a threshold of affordable units.
10% Affordable
10% Affordable
Conditions in
Santa Cruz County
HE Compliance
How does
Watsonville
compare to its neighboring cities?
This city is currently doing a better job than its neighbors at meeting housing needs.
Progress
0
0
Income
-3
-3
Density
25
25
Watsonville
's Plan
Add Policy
Key parts of
Watsonville
’s housing element are currently being worked on. Get involved to hold them accountable for meeting their deadlines.
Impactful Housing Element Policies:
No prioritized policies
There are no prioritized housing element policies for this jurisdiction which are currently being tracked. If you'd like to submit a policy to be tracked, please fill out the policy submission form.
Other Tracked Housing Element Policies:
No other policies
There are no other housing element policies for this jurisdiction which are currently being tracked. If you'd like to submit a policy to be tracked, please fill out the policy submission form.
Join the Fun!
Our volunteers, watchdogs, push cities to enact good housing policy and keep tabs on the city’s policy progress. Sign up to help push
Watsonville
reach its housing targets.
Santa Cruz County
's Volunteers
21
Current Watchdogs
Level III
21/40 Volunteers
Upcoming Opportunities
Add Event
These upcoming events and tasks are great opportunities to make a difference in your community.
Event Name
Stop by Drinks & Agendas
Each Friday at 12:00PST our team gets together via Zoom to monitor local agendas so we can direct watchdogs to key meetings where decisions are being made about housing.
Watchdog Reports
Add Report
Our watchdogs are on the ground observing and taking part in the fight for fair housing. Read their reports below.
Watsonville
's Reports
Anonymous
Janine Roeth
03
/
25
Watsonville APR approved for submission to HCD
Here is the presentation to the council.
Question from Council were on ADUs (40+ were included) and concern about meeting the RHNA with our current economy. Discussion on Watsonville Downtown Plan, other state laws and financing (CDGB, etc)
Watsonville City Council - Mar 25, 2025
03
/
25
Loss
/
Pro Housing
Watsonville City Council - Mar 25, 2025
03
/
25
Win
/
Pro Housing
City Council
03
/
25
Deferred
/
Pro Housing
Anonymous
07
/
23
SCC staff are insulating their work from council. May be an attempt to minimize the work necessary to implement the housing element.
/
Loss
/
Pro Housing
/
Win
/
Pro Housing
/
Deferred
/
Pro Housing
Anonymous
Rafa Sonnenfeld
01
/
22
Ambag approved a rhna methodology.
/
Loss
2
/
3
Pro Housing
/
Win
2
/
3
Pro Housing
/
Deferred
2
/
3
Pro Housing
Anonymous
Elizabeth Madrigal
11
/
21
- Selection of draft RHNA Methodology + continuation of public hearing to be deferred until December 8th special meeting
- AMBAG (finally!) brought incorporation of AFFH factor into methodology to board - no action was taken on it, but majority of board of directors were in support
- Salinas Valley jurisdictions (namely City of Soledad) would like to see farmworker housing set aside incorporated into methodology
- Water constantly being brought up as a concern by Monterey Peninsula jurisdictions
/
Loss
3
/
4
Pro Housing
/
Win
3
/
4
Pro Housing
/
Deferred
3
/
4
Pro Housing