Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian recently told members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors at their meeting in Los Gatos that the county is the least understood level of government; yet, it has to contend with a myriad of issues affecting its nearly two million residents.
Simitian indicated Santa Clara County has an annual budget of $6.5 billion, has about 20,000 employees, and serves 1.8 million residents. Three issues at the front and center of the county are criminal justice reform, health care and housing, but the supervisors are also faced with numerous other issues, like how to care for the county's 7,300 homelessness population, traffic, pollution, etc.
The county is seeking to reform its criminal justice system amid complaints about prison conditions and the treatment of prisoners. Simitian said the county has received 623 recommendations for reform, including a recommendation for civilian oversight.
The county continues to struggle to bring quality health care to residents as insurer carriers back out of many Obamacare insurance exchanges and repeated attempts by Congress to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.
Housing is a critical issue. Simitian said more homeless shelters are needed and should be built. He worries about the quality of education and how to attract and retain teachers and other employees if there is no housing for them.
"There are folks that are struggling," exclaimed Simitian.
The county supervisor noted people are even hurting in his district, which is the northwest part of the county and considered high-end. The Fifth District of the County of Santa Clara, which Simitian represents, includes Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Saratoga, Stanford, portions of West San Jose and of Sunnyvale.
Simitian mentioned a proposed Stanford University development project as a unique case since it is in an unincorporated area that is considered urban development and governed by the county supervisors. The proposed development is 2,275,000 sq. ft. and includes over 3,150 housing units. That's a cause of concern to residents. He said the county could charge a housing impact mitigation fee of $143.10 per square foot of development; otherwise, where would these employees live?
With more jobs than housing units for employees, Simitian noted, "Until we bring it into balance we will continue to have a problem."
"I think the market will provide market rate housing if cities will let them, but it won't provide affordable housing for those with more modest means. We need to become creative and local communities willing to provide it," said Simitian.
The county supervisor said the Lehigh Hanson Cement Plant located on the boundary with Cupertino, is an example of a local issue the county has to deal with. The county has received numerous complaints from residents in Cupertino, Los Altos, and Los Altos Hills regarding air, water pollution, noise and dust issues. He indicated there is a potential for a new pit and he expects it will raise residents' concerns. Two-thirds of county's cement comes from this facility.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
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