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Council members press for annual plans, hearings and public reports on $500 million housing bond
Summary
Council members introduced legislation requiring the Department of Development to publish annual plans by Sept. 1, hold a public hearing by Sept. 30, adopt a competitive application process and publish annual reports on recipients, projects, units and affordability for the $500 million bond.
Council members outlined proposed legislation intended to increase transparency and public accountability for the $500 million affordable-housing bond approved by voters in 2025.
Housing Chair Tiara Ross said the legislation would require the director of the Department of Development to publish an annual, public plan by Sept. 1 identifying any specific pools, set-asides or allocations and the intended amounts. The process would also include a clear competitive application and selection process, a timetable for applications (even if rolling), criteria or scoring guidance and an annual public hearing by Sept. 30 to solicit feedback.
Ross also said the legislation would mandate an annual public report — published by Sept. 1 — listing funded recipients, projects, the number of units preserved or produced and the affordability levels of those units so the public can see how bond dollars are being invested.
"Transparency isn't a barrier to building housing. It builds public trust," Ross said, adding that the policy is meant to increase access and ensure the bond achieves its goals without overprescribing administrative choices.
Council members said the proposal grew from public hearings and a community survey earlier in the year in which residents, housing partners and advocates said they supported the bond but wanted a stronger public process. The legislation will be considered by council as part of the evening agenda.
