Neighborhood Resources Department
TO: David L. Corliss, City Manager
THRU: Victor Q. Torres, Director, Neighborhood Resources
FROM: Margene K. Swarts, Community Development Manager
DATE: January 31, 2007
Attached is the Interim Report from the Housing Needs Task Force summarizing their accomplishments thus far, eleven months into their work, and making preliminary policy recommendations. It is the intention of the Task Force to inform the City Commission and to solicit Commission support and guidance for continued work. During the latest meeting it was decided to further explore the use of incentives to encourage the development of more affordable housing (defined in the CHAT report as under $130,000 for owner-occupied and under $700/ month for renter-occupied). This should be done by convening a meeting of all stakeholders (developers, housing providers, city officials) to determine what is desirable and what is feasible.
Members of the Task Force wish to make it clear that the report is endorsed by the entire Task Force although there may be specific pieces that were not agreed upon by all members. It is also important to note that all members realize that there is no magic solution to the affordable housing problem in Lawrence. Members seem to agree that ongoing and continued attention should be given to this issue and all possible solutions.
If you have further questions, please let me know.