Strategic Regional Issue #18 – Affordable Housing

Affordable housing is not consistently available throughout the region.

Objective

18.R.  Local governments (working with homebuilders, state agencies, and housing authorities where they exist) should encourage a range of housing choices, in terms of price, size, type and location, dispersed throughout the region.

Policy Recommendations

18.R.1.  Local governments should use their comprehensive plans, zoning codes and development regulations to encourage a range of housing types, densities, and affordabilities within their communities.

18.R.2.  Local governments should assess the condition of their existing housing stock and the current and future housing needs of residents and workers in consultation with major employers.

18.R.3.  Local governments should continue to work with the community, developers, public housing authorities, nonprofit housing entities and private landlords to address the need for de-centralized quality subsidized housing.

18.R.4.  Local comprehensive plans and zoning regulations should enable diverse and affordable rental and homeownership opportunities (such as garage apartments, granny flats, co-housing, mixed residential/office/commercial structures, and multi-family buildings, where appropriate) including accessible and visitable housing opportunities.

18.R.5.  Local comprehensive plans, zoning codes and development regulations should enable the reduction of unnecessary regulatory barriers to build affordable housing.