On Tuesday, the Antioch City Council is set to receive an update from staff regarding the application for the CSH Mahogany Housing HomeKey+ application — it will be reported that its still pending approval.
The application was approved back in May 2025 in a 4-1 vote with Mayor Ron Bernal voting against after confirming the city would have to commit up to $18 million followed by potentially another $1.2 million for 15-years. Note – the City has previously stated in the past several years, its spent more than $25 million on homeless programs.
According to Contra Costa Health, Antioch’s Point in Time homeless count over the past few years:
- 2025 – 246
- 2024 – 413
- 2023 – 334
- 2020 – 238
The item was requested by Councilmember Louie Rocha, who asked for an update at the February 2024 meeting. He had requested City Manager Bessie M. Scott report back on the status of the HomeKey+ application.
“We have a significant amount of funding commitments to this project that has not moved forward. I believe we need to have a definitive answer by March 10th in order to proceed forward with the development of our 2026-27 city budget. I believe we’re set to start that process March 27th,” stated Rocha. “I’ve asked previously kind of a status update of where we’re at. I think that considering where we’re at and moving forward into this beginning of the next year’s budget development, we need to know where we’re at and what our overall resources are in all areas as we prepare to move forward.”
With the update, staff is seeking direction, if any, from the city council.
According to the staff report, back in May 2025, the council approved an obligation of onetime contribution of $750k upon receiving the HomeKey+ award from the state. In addition, however, the city would have to provide a yearly operating subsidy of up to $1.2 million annually for five-years with two five-year extensions contingent on the property meeting the requirements of HomeKey+ guidelines and affordable housing regulatory agreement.
Project Overview:
The proposed CSH Mahogany Housing Project is a rehabilitation project which will convert the motel units into 84 affordable units and one two-bedroom manager unit. Of the 84 units, 74 would be studios and 10 would be one-bedroom units. As part of the conversion, a few of the units will be merged to create one-bedroom units, a few units would be repurposed for uses for case management and for creation of common areas.
Each apartment will have a kitchenette, living room, bathroom, and bedroom. Non- residential conversion of the interior will include a community lounge, property management offices, resident supportive services and case management offices. One existing laundry room and the electrical room will maintain those functions, while a few rooms will be converted to resident services/case management and property management offices. The current site includes security fences, on-site parking spaces, spa and swimming pool, gates, and a trash enclosure. The property is composed of one building and has a common area and space for service amenities. The motel does not have any long-term residents and, resultantly, does not require any relocation.
At the time of the application, the proposed timeline:
- April 30, 2026 – Construction Start
- March 31, 2027 – Construction Completion
- June 30, 2027 – Full Occupancy
Current status (per staff report)
The HomeKey+ award from HCD is pending approval but no decision has been made at the time of the preparation of this report. However, in anticipation of the award being approved, based on communications with HCD, City staff contractedwith Raney Planning & Management, Inc., to commence the environmental analysis required by the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA). The NEPA analysis is required to be approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) prior to any federal funds being used once the award from HCD is granted. The NEPA analysis should be completed towards the end of May 2026, in the form of a Categorial Exclusion. At present, the draft environmental analysis has been sent to the State Department of Historic Preservation (SHPO) for it to determine if historic properties or archaeological resources are affected. Once the NEPA process is completed, a Public Notice of Intent to Request the Release of Funds (NOI/RROF) is published; sent to HUD for approval and thereby allowing the City Council to commit CDBG funds for purchase funding.
Antioch City Council Meeting
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
5:00 pm: Special Meeting/Study Session
7:00 pm: Regular Meeting
200 H St, Antioch CA
Meeting Agenda: Click Here
Previous
- Dec 2025 – Antioch to Talk Warming Centers, HomeKey+, Purchasing and Consultants
- May 2025 – Antioch Agrees to Move Forward with HomeKey Application
- May 2025 – Antioch City Council Could Seek HomeKey+ Project, Convert Comfort Inn
