Policy
All posts explaining and simplifying policy that impacts local development.
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A California Bill Could Change How Rural Highway Projects Are Evaluated. What Could AB 2059 Mean for Highway 25?
A bill sailing through Sacramento has the potential to reduce the cost and speed up highway projects in rural California counties, yes that includes Highway 25. Continue reading
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Start Here: What The San Benito Blueprint Covers
San Benito County is changing quickly, and it’s not always easy to understand what’s happening or why. The San Benito Blueprint breaks down local development, housing policy, and infrastructure projects in plain English so you can stay informed. What We Cover Recent Topics Our Approach This isn’t opinion or advocacy. Just clear, sourced information so… Continue reading
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Hollister Adopts New General Plan, Housing Element
Before You Begin Hollister Adopts 2040 General Plan On April 20th, 2026, the Hollister City Council unanimously adopted the city’s 2040 General Plan, bringing to an end a years-long battle over the city’s future. The adoption came with little fanfare and did not include a presentation or staff report to the council. The document highlights… Continue reading
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Facing “Crisis of Public Opinion,” Hollister to Vote on Consolidation of the Community Development Department.
Following months of public scrutiny, the Hollister City Council will, on Monday evening, be voting on whether to consolidate the department of Community Development into existing city departments while eliminating 3 positions in the process. The proposal from City Manager Ana Cortez and states that the city faces “a crisis of public opinion directed at… Continue reading
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Hollister Faces State Enforcement Over Housing Element. Here’s What It Means
California has intervened in Hollister’s housing non-compliance, resulting in a legally binding agreement that mandates the city to adopt a compliant Housing Element by April 2026. The settlement restricts the city’s ability to deny housing projects, establishes a $300,000 housing trust fund, and imposes potential monthly fines starting in 2025 if terms are not met. Continue reading
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Unincorporated County’s Housing Element Unlocks Potential 4,400 Homes In and Around Hollister
The San Benito County Board of Supervisors adopted its 6th Cycle Housing Element on May 20, 2025, addressing a need for 168 lower-income units. A rezone strategy will create a new “Residential High” designation across 12 sites, allowing 25-40 units per acre. The county must complete rezoning by December 2025 to maintain compliance. Continue reading
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County Proposes Urban Zoning Reform & Revisions of Rural Livestock Rules
The San Benito County Planning Commission will discuss zoning reform and rural livestock rules on June 4th. Proposed changes include eliminating single-family zoning, setting density limits for new developments, and mandating commercial components near major roads. Additionally, new restrictions on livestock types and density limits will be reviewed during the meeting. Continue reading