City of Sonoma officials said they have secured the purchase of two affordable housing properties, which will enable the long-term preservation of 18 affordable housing units in the community.

The purchase of Setzer Senior Affordable Apartments, with eight units at 673 First Street West, and Maysonnave Apartments, with 10 units at 270 First Street East, ensures the homes remain affordable for at least 55 years, protecting housing for low-income seniors and families, city officials said in a statement.

“This isn’t just about preserving buildings, it’s about protecting their homes and providing peace of mind,” Mayor Patricia Farrar-Rivas said Thursday. “Affordable housing is essential to maintaining Sonoma’s character and sense of community. By preserving these 18 homes, we’re helping ensure that longtime residents can continue to live in the community they know and contribute to, with greater stability and security.”

The Maysonnave Apartments at 270 First Street East in Sonoma is one of two properties being acquired by the city to enable the long-term preservation of 18 affordable housing units in the community. (Google image)

The deal was done through a partnership with Burbank Housing, the Bay Area Housing Finance Authority, and the San Francisco Housing Accelerator Fund. The city committed $250,000 from its Affordable Housing Trust Fund, with $4.5 million from BAHFA’s Housing Preservation Loan Pilot Program and additional financing from the San Francisco Housing Accelerator Fund.

City officials said Burbank Housing, the North Bay’s largest nonprofit housing developer, will oversee ownership, rehabilitation, and long-term affordability management.

“This isn’t just about preserving buildings, it’s about protecting their homes and providing peace of mind.” Mayor Patricia Farrar-Rivas

Tenants will pay, on average, rents not exceeding 30% of 80% of the Sonoma County area median income, adjusted for household size. As part of the deal, the apartments will remain affordable for a minimum of 55 years, and tenants can stay in their homes even if their incomes improve modestly.

City Manager David Guhin said the city leveraged its trust fund “to maximize outside funding and secure a tremendous return for our community.”

Other partners said the agreement prevents displacement, extends the life of the properties, and keeps them affordable for generations to come.