In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the development of a comprehensive housing production strategy aimed at addressing the city's housing needs over the next eight years. This strategy will include various initiatives such as incentives for converting parking lots into housing, removing regulatory barriers, and implementing financial tools to facilitate housing development.
The housing production strategy is part of a broader urban growth strategy that will replace the outdated metro plan, which has not been updated since 2004. The new plan is expected to be adopted by the city council in 2026, with a focus on land use efficiency and compact growth. Officials emphasized the importance of community involvement in shaping these strategies, with opportunities for public input anticipated in 2025.
Additionally, the meeting highlighted the concept of \"block planning,\" a collaborative approach where neighborhoods can come together to optimize land use and enhance walkability. This idea draws inspiration from successful models in other cities, such as Barcelona, and aims to create more vibrant community spaces.
The discussions also touched on the need for a systematic review of the urban growth boundary every eight years, ensuring that housing needs are continually assessed and addressed. As the city moves forward with these plans, officials expressed a commitment to engaging with the community to gather feedback and refine their strategies.