Title
Finalize Options for Educating the Public around Housing Affordability and Homelessness Issues
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Consider the options. Discussion only; no action requested
Report
Issue:
Whether to consider goals and objectives as the start of shaping a public participation plan to help develop public understanding of the status, need and potential approaches to address affordable housing and homelessness issues in Olympia.
Staff Contact:
Amy Buckler, Senior Planner, Community Planning & Development, 360.570.5847
Presenter(s):
Amy Buckler, Senior Planner, Community Planning & Development
Anna Schlecht, Housing Manager, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8183
Background and Analysis:
The Ad Hoc Committee is concerned with housing affordability and homelessness in Olympia and the region. Over the past months, the Committee has examined steps other communities have taken; explored housing funding options, regional efforts, and ways to enhance coordination with regional partners; and was briefed on recommendations from Olympia's Downtown Strategy (DTS).
Next, the Committee will discuss its objective: to consider measures to inform, consult, educate and involve the community in discussions about the impacts and needs related to homelessness and housing affordability. The discussion will begin to frame a public participation plan around this issue.
DTS Recommendations
The DTS recommends the City convene a broad range of stakeholders to develop a homeless response plan leading to a more coordinated approach to homelessness and its impacts to Downtown. The DTS also recommends the City subsequently develop a housing strategy to establish a mixed income residential neighborhood in Downtown (see attached). The two actions are linked by the need to bring about housing options for the most vulnerable citizens in our community. The public participation plan should cons...
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