Mono County Housing Program

Mono County is actively working to address a housing shortage that affects our workforce, local businesses, and long-term community stability. In a rural county like ours, housing challenges look different in each community, but the need is consistent. We need more options for people who live and work here.

Our approach focuses on preserving existing housing, creating new opportunities, and supporting residents in staying in our communities, in close partnership with local jurisdictions, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector.

The Problem

Mono County continues to face a shortage of housing for local residents across income levels. Rising costs, limited land, and seasonal demand all contribute to the challenge.

Key factors include:

• Limited developable land and infrastructure constraints
• High construction costs
• Seasonal and second-home market pressures
• Workforce housing needs across multiple communities

What We’re Doing

Preserving and Protecting Existing Housing

• Partnering with ESCH on Innsbruck Lodge conversion to workforce housing
• Deed-restricted housing preservation
• Revolving Loan Fund to maintain long-term affordability

Creating New Housing Opportunities

• Small-scale housing development and site-specific projects
• Support for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) including prescribed designs
• Strategic land acquisition for future housing

Supporting Local Residents and Workforce

• Down payment assistance programs
• Programs to convert underutilized units to long-term housing
• Partnerships with housing providers

Addressing Immediate and Short-Term Needs

• Bridge housing and temporary solutions
• Safe parking and transitional housing concepts
• Coordination with service providers

Partnerships

Housing in Mono County depends on strong partnerships. Many of our most impactful projects are delivered in collaboration with other agencies and organizations.

• Innsbruck Lodge conversion in partnership with Eastern Sierra Community Housing
• Coordination with the Town of Mammoth Lakes on regional housing efforts, including alignment with projects like The Parcel
• Ongoing collaboration with state and federal agencies, funding partners, and local stakeholders

These partnerships allow us to combine resources, align strategies, and deliver projects that would not be feasible independently.

Housing Programs Across County Departments

Housing efforts in Mono County extend across multiple departments and programs. In addition to County-led housing initiatives, several departments contribute to housing stability, supportive services, and project delivery.

Community Development

• Housing planning, entitlement, and project development
• Grant funding and administration for housing programs
• Example: support for housing projects through planning and environmental review processes

Health and Human Services / Behavioral Health

• Permanent supportive housing and housing-related services
• Case management and connections to care
• Example: development and support of a 13-unit supportive housing program serving individuals with behavioral health needs

County Administrative Office

• Program development and coordination across departments
• Housing policy, funding strategy, and partnerships
• Example: acquisition of Bridgeport Apartments, Bridge units

Additional Department Support

• Public Works: infrastructure and facility improvements that support housing
• Workforce Services: programs that support local workforce stability

Key Projects and Progress

• Partnership with ESCH on Innsbruck Lodge conversion to workforce housing (multi-unit rehabilitation project)
• Bridgeport Apartments acquisition and operation (supporting local workforce housing)
• Partnership with ESCH on Access Apartments (13-unit workforce housing project)
• Additional site-specific opportunities across multiple communities

How This Shows Up in Our Communities

June Lake: Limited supply and seasonal workforce pressures. Solutions tend to be smaller-scale and site-specific
Bridgeport and Walker: Workforce retention and aging housing stock are key concerns
Mammoth Lakes: Larger-scale opportunities and a focus on preserving workforce housing

Other Areas of the County: Down payment assistance programs, Bridge housing

Constraints We’re Working Within

• Limited land availability
• Infrastructure capacity constraints
• High construction and development costs
• Environmental and regulatory considerations

What’s Next

• Advancing site-specific housing opportunities
• Expanding partnerships and funding sources, including grants
• Exploring additional tools to support workforce housing
• Bringing forward new projects and policy options to the Board

Learn More

Housing Needs Assessment
Eastern Sierra Community Housing
Town of Mammoth Lakes Housing Programs
Health and Human Services

Behavioral Health
Community Development Department
County Administrative Office