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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApproved Minutes - 2005-04-28Affordable Housing Task Force Meeting Notes April 28, 2005 – Page 1 of 3 Affordable Housing Task Force Meeting Notes April 28, 2005, 5:00 p.m. Lake Oswego Adult Community Center 505 G Avenue, Oak Room Members in Attendance: Daniel Vizzini, Paul Lyons, Rob Wagner, Diane Luther, Ardis Stevenson, Emogene Waggoner, Ernie Platt, Beckie Plaza Staff in Attendance: Stephan Lashbrook, Donna Gouse Guests in Attendance: Erin O’Rourke Meadors, Stan Aschenbrenner, Michael Anderson I. Approval of meeting notes. Ernie moved and Paul seconded to approve the 4/7/05 minutes, and they were approved unanimously. II. Community Development Network (CDN) Presentation. Michael Anderson of the CDN made a presentation on media messaging for affordable housing. The study is the result of recognition by housing advocates that they needed to improve how they communicate the need for affordable housing to the public. A “housing think tank” was put together composed of 35 housing advocates from around Oregon, including the CDN, and the Neighborhood Partnership Fund, and they worked with Professor Larry Wallack of PSU and hired pollster Patricia McHaig. The study included focus groups and telephone polling conducted in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties. The key finding of the study was that successful communication (not just for housing but any public policy issue) is based on a focus on values rather than providing the details describing the need. To determine what messages work, research and polling is essential, as advocates should not assume they know what people think about an issue. Once you identify messages that work it is important to repeat those messages when communicating with the public. The polling findings on affordable housing in the Portland region included that affordable housing rated low among issues important to people in the community, compared to the cost of health care and education, to cite two examples. However, a majority of people surveyed supported a statement that government should help “anyone who works to afford a decent home, even if they make minimum wage.” They also supported statements that “hard working people” should be able to afford housing and have enough money for other basic necessities, and that children deserve an opportunity to succeed in school/life, and a stable home is tied to that. Michael said it is best not to use phrases such as “affordable housing” and “low income” when talking to the broader public. He said that is partly due to misconceptions about affordable housing among the public, such as it means a high-rise public housing project. Affordable Housing Task Force Meeting Notes April 28, 2005 – Page 2 of 3 This applies less when communicating with a City Council, for example, because in that case it is necessary to discuss details. Michael provided a handout with four key housing messages that were found to be most effective based on the study: • “Hardworking people should be able to afford housing and still have enough money for groceries and other basic necessities.” • “Children deserve an opportunity to succeed in school and life, which is tied to having a stable home.” • “Housing gives people an opportunity to build better lives. To succeed you need a place to call home.” • “It’s only fair that everyone has a safe, decent place to live.” III. Discussion of Final Report Dan first mentioned that KATU broadcast a Town Hall on housing issues last Sunday in which Diane was a participant. Diane said that the focus was not on affordable housing but more about housing prices and home sales. One person on the show said that 25% of homes in this region are purchased by speculators. However, the accuracy of that statement was questioned by the Task Force. There was discussion on the second draft of policy options and the matrix Dan provided with the options. Ernie said he objects to inclusionary zoning and that it only works in areas that have very low densities. Diane said she objects to the state Legislature’s prohibition of inclusionary zoning, and that the state should allow local communities to have conversations about the issue. It was agreed we should change the language of the draft to say that the state should lift restrictions and allow cities to implement policies that are needed locally. There was a question as to whether the draft of policy options is a shopping list or a list of recommendations. Dan said we should clearly state our recommendations in the final report as that will provide the City Council guidance when reviewing it. Other comments were that our recommendations should be realistic (Emogene), and to keep talking about our values (Stan). Paul said he doesn’t see the Task Force’s role as an advocacy role, so it was questioned whether to use the term “lobby” in the final report. It was suggested we change “Lobbying Options” to “Advocacy Opportunities.” Dan said the Task Force should review Ashland’s regulations for inclusionary zoning, which were distributed by email. The Task Force may want to recommend that when there is a rezoning or comp plan change and it meets all the requirements for an upzone, that affordable housing be included in the development. The Task Force began to review the Draft Policy Options and the following changes were made: Affordable Housing Task Force Meeting Notes April 28, 2005 – Page 3 of 3 13. Change the third sentence to “The Task Force has suggested that a Housing Board…” instead of “The Task Force has recommended that a Housing Board…” 18. Change “income tax credits” to “Low Income Tax Credits.” 22. Change first sentence to “Pension funds can be a source of housing financing.” Also, make the last sentence about bequests a separate option as it can be a good source of funds in Lake Oswego. Erin suggested that the policy options include a statement on foreclosures allowing the city a right of first refusal. Multnomah County has such a policy where foreclosed properties are sold to nonprofits that provide affordable housing. It was agreed to add this. There was a brief discussion on CDBG funds and to perhaps include a statement suggesting that Clackamas County devote more of these funds to affordable housing. SDUs: Stephan said he, Emogene and Erin are working on a draft proposal, which will be a programmatic fix and not just an ordinance. A draft will be sent out in about a week. Next steps: It was agreed that all Task Force members will review Stephan’s Draft 2 list of Policy Options and email to the Task Force by Sunday evening their “top 10” priorities. Diane said she will add a list of funding sources. Dan said he is compiling sections of the report, including the needs analysis and statistics. Donna will send him the statistics and needs analysis work she has done. It was agreed that the Community Open House will be held May 31 at 7:00 p.m. Donna will send out a brief “hold this date” announcement by Monday. A summary or portions of the final report will be sent to neighborhood chairs and other interested parties at least one week before May 31. The meeting adjourned at 7:05.