College Station’s Housing Action Plan Tackles Access to Affordable Housing

Introduction

College Station, Texas- At Thursday’s city council meeting, affordable housing in College Station received significant attention as the city continues to formulate a plan to address housing issues and requirements within the community. In the previous year, the city established the Housing Action Plan Steering Committee to find solutions around housing availability and affordability.

Housing Burden on Renters and Homebuyers

According to the city’s existing conditions report, a considerable 58% of renters and 18% of homeowners reported being burdened by housing costs. Typically, housing is deemed ‘affordable’ when no more than 30% of a household’s income goes toward rent or a mortgage. With the influx of people and businesses to the area, the local supply of affordable housing has seen a significant reduction. While the arrival of new businesses brings high-paying jobs, it also heralds higher prices.

“We have some new developments coming on board, but they’re more on the higher end of the market,” stated Harold Womble, the Brazos Valley Council of Governments housing choice voucher program manager. In College Station, the housing options are primarily single-family homes or multifamily apartments. Middle housing options such as duplexes or townhomes are scarce.

Immediate Proactive Measures Necessary

City officials assert that now is the right time to take proactive measures. “Projections indicate an impending housing supply shortage, and so by 2030 we expect to be short about 4,000 units,” predicted community development analyst David Brower. The Housing Action Plan, built on public feedback, aims to create solutions for this upcoming challenge. The ongoing plan is currently in a draft state.

“We’re trying to engage citizens to see what housing issues they’re facing, and then to consider different tools to address those housing issues,” Brower explained.

Diverse Housing Opportunities

The plan not only proposes ideas for preserving affordable housing but also explores the expansion of housing options. Some strategies and solutions discussed during the meeting include increasing density in certain areas, creating programs to promote homeownership, and partnering with developers to construct affordable rental housing.

Although the city estimates that the plan will take about a seven to ten years to complete, city officials argue that it will address a wide range of housing issues. “Not only expand housing opportunity for those we traditionally serve, but also expand housing opportunity for those that might be above those income limits that are also struggling with housing issues,” Brower added.

The Housing Action Plan Steering Committee is scheduled to meet on August 12 at 4:30 p.m. to progress with the plan.

Conclusion

With the impending housing shortage, College Station is taking proactive measures to ensure the availability and affordability of houses for its citizens. Based on public feedback, the city’s long-term Housing Action Plan aims to provide diverse housing opportunities for all levels of income. The plan is still evolving and citizens are encouraged to continue sharing their experiences, needs, and ideas to shape the future of housing in College Station

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