In a recent government work session, officials discussed the ongoing update of the city’s affordable housing plan, which is set to span a decade. The meeting, led by affordable housing officer Sasha Ratinski, emphasized the collaborative efforts with the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and community stakeholders to refine strategies aimed at enhancing the local housing ecosystem.

The update process, which began in September 2023, is nearing completion and follows a previous plan established in 2008 and updated in 2015. Ratinski highlighted the importance of this update, noting significant changes in the housing landscape since the last revision. The plan aims to identify actionable strategies that promote equity and sustainability in housing.

Jarrah Smith, program director at Enterprise Community Partners, the consulting firm assisting with the update, presented key findings. He noted that the city will need to construct approximately 14,000 new homes by 2050 to accommodate projected population growth. This figure underscores the urgency of addressing housing needs, particularly in light of rising affordability challenges.

The session included a breakdown of the planning process, which involved extensive community engagement and data analysis to inform policy recommendations. Smith emphasized the plan's focus on racial equity, stating that it is a unique approach not commonly seen in housing strategies across cities.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further discuss specific tools and strategies for implementation, particularly those that can be feasibly executed within the first three years of the plan. The collaborative nature of the session allowed council members to engage actively, ensuring that community voices are integral to the development of the updated housing strategy.