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CRA staff summarizes housing survey; board leans toward two annual funding cycles and small‑developer focus
Summary
Staff presented a housing survey (90+ responses) that prioritized affordable homeownership and workforce rental units and favored two funding cycles (one for large projects, one for small). The board endorsed resident representation on selection committees and asked staff to return with final program language in January and to open a first funding cycle in February.
CRA staff presented results from a community housing survey used to shape a proposed unit‑creation and conversion program. The survey, conducted in late September/October, drew more than 90 responses and showed broad support for addressing rising housing costs, neighborhood stability and access to ownership and rental options.
Survey respondents ranked affordable homeownership and workforce rental housing as top needs; staff proposed two annual funding cycles with separate tracks for large and small developments to improve small‑scale developer access. "Over 60% of respondents supported two application cycles per year," staff reported. Proposed selection committees would include CRA staff, housing and community development staff, CAC representation and other community stakeholders.
Board members emphasized the importance of resident representation and accountability. Several members recommended prioritizing small‑scale developers (projects under ~20 units) and tailoring scoring to reward proximity to jobs, mixed‑income outcomes and energy efficiency. One board member suggested a 60/40 split favoring smaller projects; another urged significant promotion of homeownership opportunities where feasible.
Staff proposed returning a finalized program and scoring criteria to the board in January, publishing materials online and launching an initial funding cycle on February 1, pending board direction.
What's next: staff will incorporate CAC and community feedback into final program documents, return in January for board discussion and aim to open the first funding cycle in February.
