HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-15-21 Public Comment - M. Egge - Affordable HousingFrom:Mark Egge
To:Agenda
Subject:Todd Litman"s Affordable Housing Recipe
Date:Tuesday, June 15, 2021 8:28:26 AM
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Commissioners,
I wanted to share with you a short article in Governing magazine fromurban planner Todd Litman with clear suggestions for how to increase
housing affordability. Critically, the article highlights the nexus between
housing costs and transportation costs.
After housing, transportation is the next largest expense for most
households. Upzoning in urban neighborhoods close to destinations is the
clearest path to increasing affordability and is aligned with our Community
Plan and Climate Plan. The Bozeman Creek neighborhood is a clearexample of an opportunity for upzoning (this 106 acre area in the center of
the city has fewer than 60 dwelling units), as well as all residential areas
within the NCOD boundaries.
You can read the article here, or just the highlights
below: https://www.governing.com/community/a-recipe-for-achieving-
real-housing-affordability
Todd's high-level recipe:
● Upzone urban neighborhoods to allow missing middle housing. This responds
to growing demand for such homes.
● Reduce fees, approval requirements and inclusivity mandates for moderate-priced
infill housing in walkable urban neighborhoods, since these are the projects we
most need.
● Reduce or eliminate parking minimums and favor unbundling so residents are not
forced to pay for expensive parking facilities they do not need.
● Create mixed-use 15-minute neighborhoods where commonly used services arelocated within a convenient walk or bike ride from most homes and worksites, and
improve affordable transportation modes, including walking, bicycling and public
transit.
● Improve affordable housing design. The Affordable Housing Design Advisor, the
Missing Middle Housing website and Portland, Oregon’s Infill Design
project provide design resources.
● Subsidize housing for people with special needs, including those with disabilities
and low incomes.
Thank you for your consideration and service.
Mark Egge
542 N Black Ave
Bozeman, MT 59715