The Ridgefield City Council unanimously approved an ordinance on Thursday, March 12, establishing a residential rental assistance program to help low-income tenants remain in their homes during short-term financial hardship.
The council waived a second reading and adopted Ordinance No. 1476 following a presentation from Finance Director Kirk Johnson. City staff previously informed councilors about the program through workshops. The program will use revenue from a state-authorized sales-and-use tax credit dedicated to affordable housing efforts.
The city will allocate $50,000 for the program in 2026, with individual households eligible for up to $5,000 in lifetime assistance. The funds will be paid directly to landlords and are limited to tenants living within city limits whose household income is at or below 60% of the area median income.
Johnson said communications between city staff and local nonprofits, including Compassion 360 and the Family Resource Center, have highlighted the need for such a program despite the area’s view as a high-income community.
“We’ve talked to them at length about this, and there’s definitely a need in our community,” Johnson said. “We see it all the time, both for food assistance and for rental assistance. They’ve accepted the fact they’ll work with us and help look for people that do need that assistance and send them to us with the information needed so that we can… turn this around as quickly as possible… based on what council approves.”
The city began collecting funds after the council adopted an ordinance in 2020 establishing an affordable housing sales and use tax credit allowed under state law. At the time, councilmembers chose to build up the fund balance before deciding how to use the money. The city earns just under $2,500 annually through the credit program. By the end of 2025, the fund had grown to just under $138,500.
Under the proposed structure, applicants must verify their income and residency within city limits. Payments will go directly to landlords and could cover up to the full monthly rent, depending on the situation.
Councilmember Katie Favela expressed strong support for the new program during the meeting.
“This is so near and dear to my heart, and I feel like it's just a dream come true,” Katie Favela said. “So, I'm really excited, and I thank… our partners who have accepted to work with us through this.”
City officials expect to review the program in 2027 to determine whether changes are needed. The ordinance takes effect 30 days after adoption. City staff will return to the council in April with a budget amendment to formally allocate the program's initial $50,000.
