The City Council of McCall convened for a Special Works Meeting on January 3, 2025, to discuss housing initiatives aimed at addressing the community's diverse needs. The meeting focused on the development of a tiered program designed to facilitate homeownership and rental affordability for specific segments of the population.

The first significant topic addressed was the recognition that the proposed housing program is not a comprehensive solution to the city's housing crisis but rather a targeted effort to assist a particular group of residents transitioning into homeownership. Council members emphasized the importance of creating multiple housing opportunities to cater to the varying needs of the community, acknowledging that a one-size-fits-all approach would be ineffective.

A key point of discussion was the prevention of homeownership units from being converted into rental properties. The council proposed a hardship exemption that would allow homeowners to rent their properties under specific circumstances, such as economic or family hardships. This exemption aims to provide flexibility while ensuring that the program's integrity is maintained.

The council also introduced a new affordability tier for rental units, proposing an increase in the incentive payment for developers from $10,000 to $20,000. This adjustment is intended to make the program more appealing to developers while ensuring that rental units remain affordable for households earning around 50% of the area median income, approximately $35,000 annually.

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will be utilized to establish rental rates and income thresholds, ensuring that the program is grounded in current economic realities. The council expressed confidence that these measures would attract developers familiar with similar rental programs and ultimately benefit residents who earn too much to qualify for existing assistance programs.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to addressing housing challenges in McCall through targeted initiatives. The proposed tiered program aims to support residents in achieving homeownership while maintaining affordable rental options, reflecting a strategic approach to the city's ongoing housing needs. Further discussions and refinements to the program are expected as the council continues to engage with community stakeholders.