BRADY WHEELER Sun Staff Reporter
As housing officials move toward a 10-year housing plan, members of the Flagstaff City Council once again discussed the possibility of placing an affordable housing bond on the ballot.
Housing officials are hoping to have the housing plan completed for city council discussion in September, outlining affordable housing goals and setting protocol for an annual review of progress.
“The goal is to substantially increase the number of available and affordable housing options for all residents of all incomes,” Affordable Housing Advancement Project Manager Leah Bloom said.
Tuesday’s discussions came just a few months after Council declared an affordable housing emergency that prompted city officials to begin developing a 10-year housing plan. The hope is that the plan will outline goals and provide opportunity for annual review on progress, Bloom said.
On Jan. 28, the city’s housing commission approved a public participation plan and project timeline through 2031 as a part of the first phase of creating the 10-year plan. Housing commissioners also formed six working groups consisting of staff and community members to address the topics of policy, affordable housing, health, sustainability, neighborhood context and zoning.
As the plan draws closer to completion, staff and members of the commission will seek input from the community on housing needs and policy, Housing Director Sarah Darr said.
“We are making sure there are multiple opportunities for public involvement. Anyone who’s interested in participating, there will be a way,” Darr said.
The discussion also returned to an affordable housing bond recommended by the housing commission that would allot $10 million of funds apiece to emergency, rental and workforce housing.