Committee stresses housing affordability, urges emphasis on diverse, adaptable housing

Summary

Committee members amended the recommendation resolution to stress housing affordability and to emphasize the availability of diverse, adaptable housing across life stages, including incremental development approaches (ADUs, small-lot infill). Staff said the housing action plan update is planned for early 2026 and will include updated data and a

Committee members amended the recommendation resolution to stress the importance of addressing housing affordability and to emphasize the availability of diverse and adaptable housing that serves multiple life stages. Planning staff said the housing action plan update is targeted to begin in early 2026 and will include updated data and public outreach.

Members discussed options such as encouraging accessory dwelling units (ADUs), easing incremental development barriers, and identifying regulatory changes that allow smaller-scale, lower-cost housing types near existing services. One member said the committee's emphasis should show Council and staff that affordable and adaptable housing are priorities for the city's strategic planning.

Staff noted that many of the committee's housing recommendations will be carried into the forthcoming housing action plan and that more specific implementation actions, including potential code changes, will be returned to the committee for follow-up.