10/05/2017
Delivering Housing for Everyone is an all-hands-on-deck activity. The public and private sector must work cooperatively to craft new policies, repeal old outdated ordinances, remove barriers to affordability, and streamline utility service delivery.
Neighborhood Associations must be a proactive part of this initiative, outlining the kind of housing they want and need, and identifying the areas where they want it. Not in My Back Yard is not an acceptable answer to thoughtful and context sensitive development.
Comprehensive housing policy will also need to address strategies for helping long-time residents stay in their homes. Making it easier to build backyard housing or "granny flats", is a strategy families could use to preserve a multigenerational household and enable family members to age in place.
One thing is for sure, this issue needs more engagement by all parties. We look forward to hearing your ideas on the future of housing and neighborhoods and participating in many lively discussions.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg gave his Housing Policy Task Force six months to formulate policy recommendations as the group met for the first time Tuesday.
