In a recent government meeting, officials provided an update on the city's ambitious 10-year housing plan, originally adopted in 2020 in response to a declared housing emergency. The plan aims to significantly enhance housing options for residents across all income levels and family sizes, with a primary goal of reducing the affordable housing need in the community by half over the next decade.

Key components of the plan include the creation of at least 7,976 housing units by 2031, with a commitment that at least 10% of these will be affordable. Additionally, the plan seeks to impact approximately 6,000 low to moderate-income residents through the development of new units and the provision of housing subsidies. To support these objectives, 13 policy initiatives and 58 comprehensive strategies have been established.

During the meeting, city staff presented an 18-month report detailing progress made from January 2023 through June 2024. This report highlights housing market conditions, key achievements, and ongoing strategies, while also reviewing existing housing resources and relevant community and legislative efforts. The report is part of an annual implementation plan that will be presented to the council each spring, with progress updates provided in late summer.

The meeting underscored the collaborative efforts of city staff, community partners, and the Housing Solutions team, led by Chair McLaughlin, who was recognized for her dedication to the housing needs assessment that informs the city's strategies. The ongoing evaluation of housing market conditions is crucial for guiding future actions and ensuring the effectiveness of the housing plan.