DEPARTMENT:
Neighborhood & Housing Services Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD:
Ver?nica R. Soto, FAICP, Neighborhood & Housing Services Department Director
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED:
Citywide
SUMMARY:
Discussion and possible action on a recommendation for the definition of housing affordability to be included in the Strategic Housing Implementation Plan.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On February 26th, 2020, the Housing Commission was asked by the Removing Barriers to Affordable Housing Committee to discuss the creation of a singular definition for affordable housing. Since that time the Strategic Housing Implementation Plan (SHIP) stakeholders began work to recalibrate the 10-year housing goals and create implementation strategies for the Housing Policy Framework (HPF), also known as the Mayor's Housing Policy Taskforce Report. The Housing Commission selected Chair Jessica O. Guerrero to serve as the Housing Commission representative on the SHIP. In addition to the new housing goals and strategies the SHIP will also be the document that contains the definition of Affordable Housing.
During the September 2020 Housing Commission meeting, Commissioners requested presentations from VIA Metropolitan Transit, San Antonio Water System (SAWS) and City Public Service (CPS) so that Commissioner dialogue could be consider the impact of utilities and transportation.
The Commission was briefed on this topic during the February 24, 2021 regular meeting.
ISSUE:
The term 'Affordable Housing' appears several times in City policies and programs however does not have one standard definition. The SHIP requested 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 s...
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