TO: LINDA REICH, CITY MANAGER
FROM: WARREN MORELION, AICP, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
SUBJECT
title
Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement - San Bernardino Regional Housing Trust (SBRHT).
end
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
1) Adopt Resolution 2026-020 approving a Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement (“Agreement”) with the San Bernardino Regional Housing Trust (SBRHT); 2) appropriate $25,000 from the Affordable Housing Fund 310 for annual membership fees; and 3) authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents on behalf of the City.
body
FISCAL IMPACT
Requires an appropriation in the amount of $25,000 from the available FY 2025-26 Affordable Housing Fund 310 Budget Surplus.
CITY OF CHINO MISSION / VISION / VALUES / STRATEGIC ISSUES
The recommendation detailed above will further the City’s values and strategic issues that serve as key pillars on which identified priorities, goals, and action plans are built, by fostering:
• Positive City Image
• Financial Stability
• Responsible Long-Range Planning
• Exemplary Leadership
• Public Service Excellence through Internal and External Partnerships
|
Revenue: |
Expenditure: 3106210-43310 |
|
Transfer In: |
Transfer Out: |
BACKGROUND
California continues to face a significant housing supply and affordability crisis driven by high land costs, rising construction expenses, limited financing options, and regulatory complexity. These statewide challenges have manifested at the local and regional levels, contributing to a constrained housing supply, increased homelessness, and broader economic impacts.
In 2021, the City/County Managers Technical Advisory Committee (CCMTAC) of the San Bernardino Council of Governments (SBCOG) formed an Ad Hoc Subcommittee to evaluate the feasibility of establishing a regional housing trust fund for San Bernardino County. In January 2022, SBCOG released the San Bernardino Regional Housing Trust White Paper, which outlined potential benefits, organizational structures, and relevant case studies.
Subsequently, SBCOG developed a Strategic Plan for the proposed regional housing trust, identifying regional housing needs, potential funding sources, financing tools, and programmatic activities. Throughout 2022 and 2023, SBCOG conducted extensive outreach involving local jurisdictions, elected officials, planning and housing staff, developers, and housing administrators. Based on this work, SBCOG recommended that a regional housing trust be established as a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) comprised of local jurisdictions within the region.
In April 2023, the SBCOG Board of Directors authorized the formation of the San Bernardino Regional Housing Trust, including development of a Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement. To date, 19 jurisdictions, including the City of Chino, have expressed intent in participating.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
As the City of Chino works to rebuild and expand its Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization programs, it faces challenges related to both organizational capacity and access to sufficient funding. While staff is actively pursuing multiple funding sources, it is unlikely that any single program or funding stream will fully address the City’s housing needs. A regional approach offers an opportunity to augment local efforts through shared expertise and leveraged resources.
Benefits of Participation
The SBRHT is designed to provide a coordinated, regional approach to addressing housing needs throughout San Bernardino County by raising and leveraging public and private funds, with a focus on affordable housing production and preservation. Participation in the JPA would:
• Expand access to state, federal, and private funding opportunities;
• Support affordable housing projects within the City of Chino and throughout the region;
• Provide regional coordination and administrative capacity for complex housing programs;
• Increase the region’s attractiveness to housing developers and investors; and
• Ensure local representation and policy influence through JPA governance.
The Trust’s potential to leverage external funding has already been demonstrated. SBRHT was recently awarded $5 million in State funding through the Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) 2.0 Lasting Affordability Program, underscoring the value of regional collaboration and early participation.
An Ad Hoc Housing Trust Committee is currently developing recommendations related to policy priorities and program administration. Membership in the JPA will allow the City to actively shape these policies and ensure alignment with local housing goals.
Structure of the Joint Powers Authority
The Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement establishing the SBRHT incorporates provisions of Senate Bill 20 (2023), in addition to the Joint Exercise of Powers Act. Utilizing SB 20 allows the Trust to operate as an early adopter of new statutory authority intended to facilitate innovative housing finance and development tools, potentially enhancing competitiveness for State funding.
The SBRHT is governed by a Board of Directors composed of locally elected representatives from each member agency, along with at least two housing policy experts selected by the elected Board members. The Board elects officers, may establish advisory committees, adopts bylaws and budgets, and oversees compliance with applicable state laws.
The Trust may contract for administrative staff or services as needed. All meetings are subject to the Brown Act, ensuring transparency and public accountability. This governance structure balances local control, regional coordination, and subject-matter expertise, while maintaining organizational independence from individual member agencies.
Withdrawal Provisions
Member agencies may opt to withdraw from the SBRHT by adopting a resolution of its governing body and providing written notice to the Trust. The withdrawal becomes effective at the end of the fiscal year that is at least six months after notice is received. Unless otherwise approved unanimously by the Board, a withdrawing Member forfeits any rights to distributions of property or funds upon dissolution and is not entitled to reimbursement of prior contributions.
Future Funding
If the City elects to become a member of the SBRHT, it will be required to pay an annual membership fee. Based on current projections, the City’s fee is estimated to range from approximately $18,000 in the first year to approximately $29,000 annually as SBRHT operations ramp up to full capacity. Membership fees are calculated on a pro-rata basis, based on each member jurisdiction’s population relative to the combined population of all participating agencies.
Future adjustments to the annual fee may occur as SBRHT operational expenses change and as jurisdictions join or withdraw from the Trust. Staff recommends appropriating up to $25,000 from the Affordable Housing Fund (Fund 310) to cover the City’s anticipated first-year membership obligation.
Attachments - Resolution No. 2026 - 020
JPA Agreement