DEPARTMENT:
Neighborhood & Housing Services Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD:
Verónica R. Soto, AICP, Neighborhood & Housing Services Department Director
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED:
Citywide
SUMMARY:
Discussion and Possible Action on the Definition of Affordability as requested by the Removing Barriers Committee
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
San Antonio’s Housing Policy Framework recommended the creation of the Removing Barriers to Affordable Housing Committee. The Committee has requested the Housing Commission help guide the discussion for the creation of a singular definition for affordable housing. The Committee believes it is important to have one definition of affordable housing that can be used in housing-related policies and programs, including the Unified Development Code (UDC).
ISSUE:
The term ‘Affordable Housing’ appears several times in City policies and programs however does not have one standard definition. There is a need for a singular, uniform term that can be applied consistently across the City when affordable housing is referenced. Currently several programs and policies contain a definition of affordable housing including the UDC, Neighborhood Improvements Bond program, Center City Housing Incentive Policy, City Fee Waiver program, City rehabilitation programs, and administered federal funding sources.
The Neighborhood & Housing Services Department is currently in the process of developing the City’s Strategic Housing Implementation Plan (SHIP). This plan will address the development of a coordinated approach to reaching the City’s affordable housing goals and will take place in two phases: 1) Synthesis and Strategy and; 2) Management and Operations. The SHIP will coordinate the City and the other entities responsible for facilitating affordable housing development and/or supportive services including the San Antonio Housing Trust, South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless (SARAH), and the San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA). The SHIP will recalibrate the existing housing target goals from the Housing Policy Framework and then identify which entities will be responsible for specific aspects of those goals. During this process, the definition of what is affordable housing will be determined and included in the final implementation plan. The plan is projected to be presented and adopted by City Council and the other respective entities responsible for implementation in summer 2020.
Staff is requesting the Housing Commission select representatives to inform the Strategic Housing Implementation Plan.
ALTERNATIVES:
If the Commission does not want to select representatives to work on the Strategic Housing Implementation Plan, staff will provide continual updates the Housing Commission on progress made.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact at this time.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the definition of affordable housing be included in the development of the Strategic Housing Implementation Plan and that interested Commissioners participate in the process.