Title
Resolution No. 16-22, Supporting an Application for the Metro Equitable Housing Planning and Development Grant
Body
RECOMMENDED ACTION (Motion):
Staff recommends approval of Resolution No. 16-22.
BACKGROUND:
Significant research has been done to identify the housing problem throughout the region and now Metro is working closely with member counties and cities to identify and implement policy changes to encourage diverse, quality, affordable housing choices with access to opportunities and amenities. Metro is administering a grant program to assist jurisdictions with adopting regulatory and administrative reforms to reduce or eliminate barriers to the development of equitable housing. Equitable Housing means that public should have access to a diverse, quality, physically accessible, affordable housing choices with access to opportunities, services and amenities.
At the City Commission work session on May 10th, City, Metro and County staff provided an overview of the equitable housing issues and the upcoming grant opportunity. Based on the submitted Letter of Interest, Metro invited the City to submit a formal application. The Oregon City Equitable Housing Grant application is intended to support a planning effort to eliminate barriers to equitable housing in Oregon City.
Equitable housing has been an issue of concern within Oregon City and throughout Clackamas County. Real estate housing prices and rents have increased at a higher rate than wage increases which has required individuals and families to spend a greater amount of their household income on home mortgages and rents. Finding a quality home has become increasingly difficult as prices continue to rise while options remain constrained.
The grant would support a robust public involvement including the creation of a Community Advisory Team, a variety of community meetings, stakeholder meetings, and a public review process by the Planning Commission and City Commission. The grant proposal would allow the community to work together to:
• Document common barriers and incentives for implementation of equitable housing.
• Create a series of maps identifying equitable housing opportunities and detailed information supporting development of the properties.
• Review the Oregon City Municipal Code to eliminate barriers and provide incentives for equitable housing. This will include consideration of implementing recommendations of the equitable housing study, simplifying the development code language, reformatting standards, eliminating conflicts, and assuring code provides clear direction.
• Create educational materials to provide transparency about each step of the development review process and applicable standards for: Site Plan and Design Review, Subdivisions, Minor Partitions, building on an existing lot, cottage housing, accessory dwelling units, conversion of office space to multi-family and conversion of a single-family dwelling to a duplex or multi-family.
• Create two model accessory dwelling unit plans including all engineering which would be available to the public at no charge.
• Adopt any identified regulations or policies as determined necessary. This is likely to include a Legislative application which will include a series of public hearings before the Planning Commission and City Commission.
BUDGET IMPACT: $90,000.00 (10% Local Match Required).
Amount: $90,000.00
FY(s):
Funding Source: Metro Equitable Housing Grants Program