In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant updates to the housing action plan, emphasizing the need for separate housing targets distinct from growth targets. This new approach aims to address the challenges of racially disparate impacts and the needs of cost-burdened households, aligning with the Growth Management Act and regional policies.

The meeting highlighted the urgency of implementing a new middle housing zoning framework by June 2024, which is intended to facilitate the construction of affordable housing. Despite these efforts, officials acknowledged a shortfall in meeting housing targets, with estimates indicating a need for approximately 25,100 additional housing units to meet the demand by 2044. Current projections suggest that while the city is on track to meet its growth target of 10,500 residents over the next four years, it may fall short of its housing target.

Council members raised concerns about the potential for developers to build market-rate apartments in zones designated for affordable housing. Officials clarified that while zoning allows for various types of development, the city lacks the authority to restrict projects based solely on affordability. The discussion underscored the necessity for increased funding from state and federal sources to support subsidized housing initiatives, as current projects, such as the Riverstone development, face delays due to funding shortages.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for innovative solutions and collaboration with housing authorities to enhance the availability of affordable housing options. As the city navigates these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring that land capacity exists to accommodate future housing needs, contingent on the availability of necessary funding and resources.