At the Last Subcommittee Meeting…
You can find the previous meeting minutes here.
The Real Estate & Housing subcommittee had its last meeting on Wednesday, July 21st, 2021.
Subcommittee members were given an overview of the proposed timeline for developing policy ideas for Task Force review. The Task Force will begin reviewing the draft policy ideas submitted by each subcommittee during their August meeting. It is expected that the Task Force will finalize their recommendations by September 2021.
Members then focused on discussing their top draft ideas under their first policy, which is focused on decent and affordable housing.
The first idea is to develop programs that target vacant lots and increase affordable housing by addressing barriers to developing vacant lots and developing strategic plans towards community ownership and development on vacant lots. It also discourages investors and private owners from holding on to dilapidated properties in impoverished communities.
The second idea is to increase code enforcement inspections, especially in blighted areas, This could include increasing code enforcement personnel and resources, or targeting enforcement action towards code violations and unregistered landlords.
The third idea is to improve high-quality rental housing by providing incentives to landlords like drafting policies to hold landlords accountable or partnering with schools and youth programs to beautify neighborhoods for community service hour requirements.
Upcoming Subcommittee Meeting Information
The next (virtual) Real Estate & Housing subcommittee meeting is next week on Wednesday, August 18th, 2021 from 3:30 – 5 p.m. Members will continue reviewing and finalizing their chosen draft policy ideas for the Task Force to review.
Zoom link to join: https://zoom.us/j/95896059195.
The subcommittee had two additional meetings on Wednesday, August 4th, and Wednesday, August 11th to further discuss their priority #2 draft policy ideas and housing for immigrant communities. Meeting details will be given in our next newsletter and on our social media.
In addition, the Task Force will begin reviewing subcommittee draft policy ideas during their August meeting on Thursday, August 26th, 6 – 7:30 p.m. More details to come.
Remember, you’re allowed to ask questions and make comments at these meetings! We’d love to see you there!