In a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding a proposed increase in housing stability funding, which would see a request for a half-percent tax added to an existing quarter-percent tax approved by voters four years ago. Council members expressed reservations about the timing and effectiveness of the current housing stability initiatives, questioning whether the city had fully utilized the resources from the previous tax before seeking additional funding.

One council member highlighted that the first opportunity to discuss the proposed ballot language came just a day before the meeting, emphasizing the need for thorough consideration of the initiative. They pointed out that the city’s housing stability program, managed by HOST, has only recently begun to show results, and there are concerns about the efficiency of current strategies.

Additionally, discussions touched on the issue of area median income (AMI) and its implications for city employees. Council members sought clarity on the types of jobs that fall within the 120% AMI bracket, expressing a desire to understand why essential workers, such as teachers and firefighters, are reportedly earning below the average income needed to afford housing in the city. This raised questions about the adequacy of compensation for city employees and the broader implications for housing affordability.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges of creating affordable housing in the city, with officials acknowledging the need to invest in housing solutions not only for those exiting homelessness but also for city workers who contribute to the community. The council plans to further analyze income growth trends and their relationship to housing stability before making any decisions on the proposed tax increase.