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9 | P a g e <br /> <br />Enforcement of Current Standards <br />Many cities that are working on updating their housing planning do not want to be facing <br />mandates based on cities that are failing to meet current standards. If cities are not meeting the <br />requirements of the land use system, there are tools available to seek enforcement of the law. <br />The LOC recognizes that DLCD works primarily as a partner in development and has spent a <br />number of years improving relationships with cities to increase the opportunity to move cities <br />through the land use process and meet requirements. Therefore, the enforcement tools are less <br />likely to be used. However, all cities are being impacted by mandates proposed but only some <br />cities are failing to act. If the enforcement tools are not sufficiently diverse to allow for a gentle <br />push before significant enforcement mechanism, then there is room for improvement in the <br />system. <br /> <br />Infrastructure Investment <br />Second to technical assistance, investment by the state in infrastructure is vital to development of <br />new, different units. Historically, there were resources from the federal and state government that <br />could be used to increase development of infrastructure and to make sure it has the capacity to <br />service increased density in all areas of the city. This is a vital component to successful <br />development, but there has been a disinvestment in infrastructure financing by the federal and <br />state government that has left cities to try to find the means of building, maintaining and <br />improving services. Given revenue limitations and the difficulty of charging current users for <br />future user’s infrastructure, shifting these costs onto developers is the only means of insuring the <br />new capacity is paid for. Investment by the state in programs like the Special Public Works Fund <br />or creating a program for SDC payment by the state would have a significant impact on housing <br />development and housing prices. <br /> <br />Conclusion <br />We share the goal of seeing more housing developed across the state, but we insist that it be <br />done using locally informed processes that reflect the needs, desires, and will of our <br />communities. We are happy to continue working toward better housing outcome that will be <br />successful in seeing more units developed. <br />March 6, 2019, Work Session – Item 1