Candidates support condo conversion rules, removing parking minimums and more infill housing to address affordability

Housing affordability drew sustained discussion at the Ward 6 forum. Candidates expressed support for recent city measures and offered approaches to increase supply and preserve affordable units.

Caitlin Halapa said she supports the condo-conversion ordinance, elimination of real-estate transfer fees and removing parking minimums as tools to increase housing supply and reduce costs. "Building parking is 1 of the... biggest reasons we have unaffordable housing," Halapa said, noting underground parking can add roughly $50,000 per parking space and increase monthly rents by several hundred dollars.

Marlene Warner emphasized accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and educating homeowners about conversions and incentives so existing homes can provide rental space. "The ADU effort, I think it was a start, and I think we... need to educate more folks," Warner said.

Robert K. Meyer, a longtime landlord until he sold his property, said a shift in taxes and costs drove small landlords out and reduced locally affordable housing stock. "I keep hearing affordable housing, but I keep seeing 300 units of unaffordable housing coming," Meyer said, arguing for policies that help retain small landlords and preserve affordability.

Halapa recommended infill development—building on underused parking lots downtown to add housing without new parking—and emphasized that the state of transit and car ownership means some downtown units can be built without parking requirements.

Ending: Candidates emphasized a multifaceted approach—policy changes already adopted, homeowner incentives, infill projects and retaining small landlords—to expand affordable options while calling for resident education and careful design.