Tenant Preference Policy

The Tenant Preference Policy is observed in the current Resolution NS-29,463(PDF, 1MB). This applies to inclusionary units within approved projects.

For rental projects governed by NS-29,463 the project owner retains discretion in the selection of eligible renters, within the following parameters: When multiple rental applications exist, preference shall be given in the following:

Residents of the City of Santa Cruz for at least one year.
Those employed in the City of Santa Cruz.
Residents of the County of Santa Cruz for at least one year.
Those employed in the County of Santa Cruz

For ownership projects governed by NS-29,463 the project owner retains discretion in the selection of eligible buyers, within the following parameters: When multiple purchase applications exist, preference shall be given in the following:

Those who live or work in the City of Santa Cruz.
Those who live or work in the County of Santa Cruz.

Infographic titled “Local Preference Snapshot.” It shows that 92 percent of households met the local preference across four newly completed 100 percent affordable housing developments at the close of FY25, June 30, 2025. A pie chart highlights the overall 92 percent result. Project level results are listed as follows: Pacific Station South, 69 units, 86 percent met local preference; Natural Bridges Apartments, 20 units, 95 percent met local preference; Jessie Street Apartments, 48 units, 92 percent met local preference; Cedar Street Family Apartments, 64 units, 100 percent met local preference. Unit totals reflect affordable units only and exclude manager units.

This snapshot highlights four major, newly constructed,100% affordable housing developments that completed initial lease up during the summer of 2024 through the summer of 2025. Together, this includes 201 affordable rental apartments, excluding manager units.

While this snapshot reflects outcomes for these four major developments, it does not include other affordable units within mixed-income or housing developments with inclusionary units, nor does it include existing developments filling vacancies. Tenant preferences are applied to units in these projects as well, but the overall numbers are on a much smaller scale than the newly created 100% affordable housing projects referenced above.