The Housing Element.

Shelter is one of the most important ingredients in the urban pattern. The many programs developed over the years have seldom resulted in overall plans for the meeting all levels of community need. From the broad scope of Housing Act 1949 to the present drastic reductions of federal financial participation, there has been little evidence indicating that those with greatest need for shelter protection have been provided for. In the past, federal government assistance made some inroads on the solution of the most pressing conditions. In recent years, however, that assistance has diminished greatly and the burdens have fallen on state, country, and city governments, only a few of which have the economic resources or social conscience that are essential.

The major reasons for lack of adequate shelter for low – and – middle – income groups are not only the cost of land but also the facilities that are required to satisfy local laws and ordinances, the inflated costs of construction, and the cost of money itself.

Perhaps the most difficult facet of the comprehensive plan to achieve is the housing element. It requires maximum participation by the private sector in order to accomplish the objectives and to deal with the economic problems associated with those features that involve low – and – moderate – income groups; these require extensive subsidy by public agencies, many of which are hard pressed to meet even their everyday financial obligations.

The housing element shall consist of an identification and analysis of existing and projected housing needs and a statement of goals, policies, quantified objectives, and scheduled programs for the preservation, improvement, and development of housing. The housing element shall identify adequate sites for housing, and mobile homes, and shall make adequate provision for the existing and projected needs of all economic segments of the community.

The outreach strategy is composed of a three equally critical components:

Community Advisory Body

During the first phase of the project, this Planning Department-appointed Community Advisory Body (CAB) will advise staff on the development and refinement of policies and implementation programs. The body will be tasked with working with staff and stakeholder groups to complete a draft of the 2009 Housing Element Update. CAB members will be expected to participate in six to eight working sessions and participate in ongoing outreach to the larger community for up to one year.

Stakeholder Sessions

Stakeholder sessions will be held midway through the CAB process in order to gain an understanding of the needs and policy interests of groups and organizations related to housing or housing services– for-profit & non-profit developers, housing advocacy groups, and homelessness and social service providers. These sessions, facilitated by City staff and members of the CAB, will directly influence the draft policies written by the CAB.

Citywide Outreach

Broad neighborhood outreach focused on key goals of the draft 2009 update will be a critical aspect of the Housing Element update. Elements of the citywide outreach will be:

A series of community conversations with neighborhood organizations on housing priorities, to guide the framework of the draft Housing Element

Utilize Community Advisory Body members as Ambassadors to community during outreach process

Monthly office hours providing an opportunity for interested citizens to engage with staff about housing issues