Agenda - Planning Commission - 09/04/2014

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Last revised July 24, 2014 Council actions to leverage the Sewer Availability Charge structure to expand affordable housing • Explore developing an "Affordable Housing SAC Credit" (AHC) for cities that demolish buildings (residential or non-residential) to reduce blight in a defined Area of Concentrated Poverty. o If SAC was paid for these sites, the sites are eligible to generate an AHC credit from and at the time of a demolition which the City could "book" and use (against any SAC due) elsewhere within its borders. (Under current rules, the City can eventually get a credit when a new use occurs on the site at lesser permanent demand.) o Demolition of buildings connected to the Metropolitan Disposal System but constructed prior to 1973 and for which no SAC was ever paid ("non -conforming, but grandparented") would generate AHCs that cities could use anywhere within their boundaries to offset SAC charges for new affordable housing or mixed -income residential projects in which at least 20% of the units are affordable. Transit -Oriented Development Transit -oriented development (TOD) is walkable, moderate- to high -density development served by frequent transit that can include a mix of housing, retail, and employment choices designed to allow people to live and work with less or no dependence on a personal car. Existing Council policy provides a framework for the Council to play a leadership role across sectors and political subdivisions in the planning and implementation of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) throughout the region. In 2014, the Council created an Office of Transit -Oriented Development (TOD) within Metro Transit to support and lead local and regional efforts to foster transit -oriented development. The Council has an important stake in maximizing the potential of TOD along existing and proposed transit corridors and ensuring this development provides opportunities for people of all income levels, races, ethnicities, and abilities. Ensuring sites are available for affordable housing development in station areas and other efficiently located sites requires intentional land acquisition strategies and resources. The Council also acknowledges the many existing single-family neighborhoods that exist near transitways and high -frequency bus routes, some of which offer affordable options for low- and moderate -income households. In cases where important housing options are at real risk of losing their affordability due to transit investments, the Council will focus efforts on preserving affordability and maintaining choice. Council actions to leverage the Office of Transit -Oriented Development to expand affordable housing • Work with its community partners to develop and provide the mechanisms and financial resources to strategically acquire property for future development of affordable housing that provides TOD-supportive land use and leverages private investment. • Track and protect naturally occurring affordability near transit investments Preferred Sustainability Status As part of the federal Partnership for Sustainable Communities, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) created Preferred Sustainability Status (PSS). Applicants for some federal grants, particularly through HUD, may apply to the Council, which was the recipient of the Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant, for two additional bonus points. Preferred Sustainability Status is intended to encourage ongoing sustainability efforts beyond the HUD -funded projects. Under current federal policy, Preferred Sustainability Status is scheduled to sunset at the end of 2016. 2040 HOUSING POLICY PLAN I METROPOLITAN COUNCIL DRAFT RELEASED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Part III: Council Policies and Roles I Page 57