Quality of Life Forum on Housing Summary
Factors Leading to the Current State of Housing:
Growth: Rapid urban growth contributes to housing challenges.
Ignoring Homelessness: Neglecting the homeless exacerbates housing issues.
Redlining & Racism: Historical practices contribute to housing disparities.
Houses as Commodities: Viewing houses purely as products impacts affordability.
Neighborhoods to Developments: Transformation affects community dynamics.
Greed: Greedy practices and lack of empathy influence housing.
Loss of Middle Class: Economic shifts impact housing accessibility.
Rising Costs: Increased costs hinder housing affordability.
Urban Sprawl: Uncontrolled expansion affects housing planning.
Not Being Discussed Regarding Housing:
Financial Incentives: Incentives maintaining the status quo need attention.
Slum Lord Monopoly: Addressing the concentration of slum lord power.
Homelessness & Price Points: Overlooked aspects of housing discussions.
Hope for Home Ownership: Providing hope for the working poor.
Zoning Laws Impact: Effects on accessibility to essential services without a car.
Hurdles for the Future of Housing:
Cost and Price: Affordability challenges.
Homelessness & Crime: Social issues impacting housing.
Upkeep of Older Homes: Maintenance challenges for aging structures.
Annexation & Planned Developments: Balancing expansion and existing plans.
Investor Impact: Investors are reducing housing inventory for profit.
Opportunities for the Future of Housing:
Upzoning & Infill: Increasing housing density.
Tiny Homes & Small Ownership: Alternative housing solutions.
Revised Zoning Regulations: Enhancing density through policy changes.
Government & Community Collaboration: Joint efforts for sustainable solutions.
Hopes for Housing in the Next 20 Years:
Green Spaces: Integration of open spaces in housing areas.
Increased Communal Areas: Encouraging community interaction.
Homeownership Percentage Rise: Aiming for broader homeownership.
Upzoning & Infill: Supporting controlled urban expansion.
Historical Preservation: Preserving architectural heritage.
Mixed Use & Retirement Communities: Diverse community planning.
More Low-Income Housing: Addressing affordability concerns.
Importance of Greenspaces for the City:
Relaxation & Safety: Greenspaces contribute to relaxation and safety.
Community Association Influence: Greenspaces foster community cooperation.
Missing Parts of Housing Infrastructure:
Mixed-Use Development: Diverse functionality in housing areas.
Shared Resources: Libraries and shared spaces for communal use.
Walking Options: Encouraging walkability for accessibility.
Cultural & Recreational Spaces: Promoting diversity and well-being.
Increasing Housing Equity Considerations:
Neighborhood Improvement: Empowering current residents.
Community Partnerships: Collaborative efforts for neighborhood enhancement.
Diverse Community Involvement: Encouraging diverse voices in discussions.
Language Barriers: Addressing language barriers for inclusivity.
Wealth Divide & Ownership Limits: Tackling generational wealth gaps and ownership limits.
Balancing Economic Growth: Ensuring community benefits in city development.
Resisting Gentrification: Community solidarity against gentrification interests.
Promoting Cultural Diversity: Increasing events for cultural exchange and understanding.
Here are the key topics that stand out:
Greed: Mentioned multiple times, highlighting concerns about individuals or entities prioritizing profit over community well-being.
Homelessness: Addressed in factors contributing to the current state and hurdles for the future, emphasizing the urgent need for solutions.
Upzoning and Infill: This represents an opportunity for future housing development, suggesting a shift in urban planning strategies.
Zoning Laws: Discussed in both factors not being discussed and hurdles, indicating the complexity of regulations and their impact on housing.
Green Spaces: A recurring theme in hopes for the future, emphasizing the importance of incorporating open and green areas in housing planning.
Community Involvement: Highlighted in discussions about increasing housing equity, emphasizing the role of residents in shaping their communities.
Mixed-Use Development: Identified as a missing part of the housing infrastructure, suggesting a desire for diverse functionality in housing areas.
These topics provide a snapshot of the forum's key concerns, opportunities, and focus areas regarding the future of housing.
