Wellington staff say town far exceeded last Proposition 1.23 goal and must meet a new 14-unit target by 2029

Britney Lenoir, planner 3 with the Town of Wellington, told the planning commission that the town met and exceeded its Proposition 1.23 commitment for 2025—2026.

"We reported to DOLA 33 new affordable units, 24 of those being new construction, and 9 of those being preservation units," Lenoir said, noting the town had originally committed to two units for that cycle and that the reports keep Wellington eligible for state affordable-housing funds. She said preservation units must carry an affordability agreement; preservation agreements must run at least 15 years.

Lenoir said DOLA revised how commitments are calculated for the 2027—2029 cycle, using the town's average building permits from 2023—2025 plus a job-growth factor, producing a new target of 14 units that must carry an affordability mechanism such as a deed restriction or land-use restrictive agreement. Commissioners asked whether the new target required brand-new units; staff replied that preservation and certain rehabilitation projects can count if they meet the affordability and term requirements.

The staff presentation emphasized working with affordable-housing partners (examples given included Habitat for Humanity and Housing Catalyst) to meet the target, and noted outreach and pipeline projects already under development. The commission did not take formal action during the briefing, but staff said the Proposition 1.23 commitments will be revisited as individual projects and grant-funded work returns to the commission for detailed review.