On this episode of “Talk of the Bay”, host Bodhi Shargell dives into housing issues in Santa Cruz with Sibley Simon, a local housing advocate, founder of New Way Homes, and a partner at Workbench. The conversation stems from Simon’s participation at this past summer’s housing forum hosted by Lookout Santa Cruz and Housing Santa Cruz County, which featured discussions on state and local policies impacting housing development. Topics included the tension between state mandates and local control, the effects of supply-and-demand dynamics on rent, and the challenges of building affordable housing within current cost structures.
Simon highlighted how state laws, particularly those limiting local discretion on projects that meet zoning rules, have streamlined housing approvals and led to increased development. However, he noted persistent challenges, such as high construction costs and the lack of public/private capital investment, that make it difficult to meet the community’s need for affordable housing. The discussion also touched on controversial local projects, including the mixed-use Foodbin project and the Clock Tower Center proposal, and the importance of engaging the community early in the development process to address concerns constructively.
In closing, Simon emphasized the need for systemic changes to lower development costs and foster collaboration between developers and the broader community. The episode underscores the urgency of innovative approaches to tackling the housing crisis while balancing local and state priorities.
Past interview:
Sibley Simon of New Way Homes on the housing crisis, affordability, infill, and innovative financing
