Laserfiche WebLink
16 <br /> <br />Working Group PurposeWorking Group PurposeWorking Group PurposeWorking Group Purpose <br /> <br />Eugene consistently ranks high on lists of the best places to live in America. From abundant recreation <br />opportunities to economic and civic vitality, the Emerald City is truly a gem! Given this sparking <br />reputation, it’s no surprise that an estimated 34,000 new residents are likely to move to Eugene in the <br />next 20 years. With a strong urban growth boundary and commitment to environmental sustainability, <br />accommodating current residents and planning for future growth will take careful planning! <br />In spite of the high quality of life and economic opportunities in Eugene, many individuals and families <br />struggle to find housing they can afford. Currently, 54% of renters and 32% of homeowners in Eugene <br />spend more than 30% of their monthly income on housing. Approximately 66% of households in <br />Eugene cannot realistically afford to purchase a home leaving the dream of home ownership out of <br />reach. Living outside the City and commuting in for work helps some but adds to traffic congestion, <br />parking challenges, and increased carbon emissions that negatively impact everyone. <br />Given its commitment to the Envision Eugene Pillars, City Council would like to take action to address <br />housing affordability now and in the future. Council would like to incentivize the construction of <br />diverse housing options that are affordable across income levels. To do so, they have enlisted a mix of <br />professional expertise and local knowledge and values. <br />This Housing Tools and Strategies Working Group will provide City Council with local knowledge and <br />values. It has been assembled to share information and think deeply together about the above <br />challenges. Based on this rich information and deliberative thinking, the Working Group will generate a <br />list of ideas for actions the City can take that will affect (improve) housing affordability. In addition, the <br />group will share their feedback regarding how effective those tools might be in Eugene. <br /> <br />The Working Group will use a collaborative problem-solving format and consensus-based decision <br />making. Recommendations from the Working Group will go to City Council for their consideration at <br />the December 10 meeting. <br />City Council <br />(Dec. 2018 - <br />May 2019) <br />Tools and <br />Strategies <br />Working Group <br />(Fall 2018) <br />Housing <br />Economist <br />(Fall 2018) <br />Code Audit <br />(Fall 2018- <br />Spring 2019) <br />December 10, 2018, Work Session - Item 2