During a recent government meeting in Denton, residents voiced strong support for a proposed affordable housing incentive program aimed at addressing the city's housing crisis. Speakers highlighted the urgent need for more affordable housing options, particularly for low-income families, as current regulations have made housing increasingly expensive.

One resident emphasized the importance of utilizing vacant lots in neighborhoods to create affordable housing, expressing hope that the program would foster community collaboration. Another speaker, Susie Rumore, pointed out that relaxing existing regulations could lead to more affordable housing without significant financial burden on the city. She noted that the program is a small but necessary step in a broader strategy to tackle the housing crisis.

Tammy Elton, a local property owner, provided statistics illustrating Denton's struggle with low-income housing availability, stating that the city has only 12 rental units per 100 low-income households, far below the state and national averages. She argued that the lack of affordable housing is not just a moral issue but also a critical economic concern.

However, not all feedback was positive. Long-time resident Lynn Clark raised concerns about the city's infrastructure, particularly the lack of a waste management system to support ongoing growth. She stressed that without adequate water and waste systems, the proposed developments could exacerbate existing issues.

Oliver, an employee of Denton Affordable Housing, shared firsthand accounts of desperate residents seeking housing, underscoring the pressing need for more units. He urged the council to pass the proposed amendments to facilitate the creation of additional affordable housing options.

The meeting highlighted a community grappling with the dual challenges of rapid growth and a critical shortage of affordable housing, with residents advocating for solutions that balance development with infrastructure needs.