[Council Communication]  [Proposed Resolution]   [12/3/02 Minutes] [Housing Need Analysis] [Housing Action Plan]

Council Communication

Title:	A Resolution Adopting the City of Ashland Affordable Housing Action Plan and Housing Needs Analysis
Dept:	Department of Community Development Planning Division
Date:	May 6, 2003
Submitted By:	John McLaughlin, Director of Community Development
Approved By: ...........................	Gino Grimaldi, City Administrator

Synopsis:	The City contracted for a housing needs analysis, which was completed by ECONorthwest in May, 2002. Following that effort, the City contracted with Cogan Owen Cogan and Sextant Consultants for the preparation of an Affordable Housing Action Plan which would outline the next steps for the community in addressing the needs for housing for a broad range of income levels. That plan was presented to the City Council on December 3, 2003 at which time the Council moved to accept the plan. The motion was passed unanimously. On February 4, 2003, Councilor Hartzell requested that the Council formally adopt the Housing Action Plan. After discussion, Staff was directed to bring back the final action plan for adoption in May.
Recommendation:	Staff recommends that Council approve the Resolution Adopting the Affordable Housing Action Plan and Housing Needs Analysis. After adoption of the resolution, and subject to any modifications proposed by the Council, Staff will have the plan reformatted for final printing.
Fiscal Impact:	The Action Plan contains a variety of items that will impact the budget of the City, depending on the level of implementation. The City Council has already authorized the hiring of a Housing Program Specialist, which has been completed. This position has been included in the Planning Division budget for 2003-2004.
Background:	The City of Ashland Affordable Housing Action Plan and Housing Needs Analysis is attached. A memo from Councilor Hearn is also included, expressing concern that the Action Plan not be seen as a tool to "encourage more rapid growth and development" in Ashland. While there are sections of the plan that address certain land use strategies for encouraging affordable housing, whatever approach is ultimately adopted must also comply with the other aspects of the Comprehensive Plan. It is not the plan's intent to develop strategies that attempt to increase supply in such a manner that the market is able to be affected, i.e. substantial increase in housing such that overall prices drop. Rather, the land use strategies are designed to target specific zoning districts and projects for inclusion of affordable housing. A recent example was the recent modifications to the City's annexation and zone change ordinance clarifying affordable housing requirements. Those changes ensure that affordable housing is provided with annexation, but does not ease the process for annexing land to the city The Council may want to specifically direct Staff to ensure that implementation of the plan is done in a manner that is in accord with the Comprehensive Plan, and that any efforts which may accelerate the rate of growth be carefully examined prior to adoption and implementation.

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RESOLUTION NO. 2003-_____

A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CITY OF ASHLAND AFFORDABLE HOUSING ACTION PLAN AND HOUSING NEEDS ANALYSIS.

THE CITY OF ASHLAND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The City of Ashland recognizes that the availability of a wide variety of housing types for differing incomes is in the best interest of the community, and that the goal of the adopted Housing Element of the Ashland Comprehensive Plan states "Ensure a variety of dwelling types and provide housing opportunities for the total cross-section of Ashland's population, consistent with preserving the character and appearance of the City."

SECTION 2. The City Council adopts the City of Ashland Affordable Housing Action Plan and Housing Needs Analysis to further the housing goal of the City.

This resolution was read by title only in accordance with Ashland Municipal Code 2.04.090 and duly PASSED and ADOPTED this 20th day of May, 2003.
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder

SIGNED and APPROVED this _____ day of _______________, 2003.
Alan DeBoer, Mayor

Reviewed as to form:
Paul Nolte, City Attorney

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