Commissioners press council for clearer housing goals and stronger active-transportation planning

Affordable housing and transportation featured prominently in the commission's discussion for the May 13 joint meeting. Several commissioners asked council to clarify the nature of "affordable housing": is the priority rental units, homeownership opportunities, or an "attainable ownership" pathway? Commissioner Young said ownership options matter for building long-term community and retention of residents.

Commissioners also urged that traffic and active-transportation planning receive more emphasis. Commissioner Young and others argued that mode shift (walking, cycling, ebikes, and transit) should be central to future traffic studies for development proposals and that the county should prioritize a connected network of multiuse trails maintained year-round. Commissioners recommended staff present clearer trail- and transit-mapping to council so decisions on housing and development better incorporate non-vehicular access.