City housing staff and partner organizations updated the Planning and Community Development Committee on March 21 about implementation of the city’s Strategic Housing Implementation Plan (SHIP), recent project milestones, and public outreach to explain tenant and landlord rights and to encourage new affordable production.

Verónica García (department title identified in meeting materials as housing program staff) reviewed progress since the plan’s adoption in 2022, citing more than 5,300 “affordable actions” completed to date, a pipeline that the presenters said now includes roughly 2,900 units under construction and 400 units in new community developments, and multiple preservation and rehabilitation awards. Housing partners said the city and its nonprofit partners are on track with major closings and ribbon-cuttings, and staff outlined technical-assistance grants to help community organizations and churches pursue community land trusts and neighborhood-driven projects.

Marc Corona, housing official, and the executive director of the Housing Trust reported active acquisition efforts (including negotiations on roughly 37 acres in partnership with Frost Bank and the city) and a project called Catalmon Square, where initial community outreach and property transactions are underway. The Housing Trust summary noted 18 active communities in development (about 400 homes) and 12 planned communities (about 1,200 homes).

Presentation highlights included: ongoing efforts to match housing production with transit and services, an updated online tool and outreach materials to explain accessory dwelling units and streamline permitting, expanded landlord/tenant education workshops (including language options), and a public-information campaign intended to change perceptions about affordable housing.

Committee members praised coordination and asked about financing, including the potential to issue municipal debt to increase development capacity. One councilmember urged continued advocacy for voter-backed housing bonds and emphasized the need to move quickly while borrowing costs remain favorable. Housing partners requested continued support for programs to increase capacity among community providers and reiterated concerns about economic headwinds that could slow or raise the cost of development.

There were no committee votes on the housing presentations; staff said more recommendations and funding requests are expected in upcoming committee and council agendas.