Agenda - Planning Commission - 09/04/2014

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Last revised July 24, 2014 Ongoing efforts: • Participate in existing housing collaborations and seek new opportunities to partner with organizations and collectives that wish to expand housing choice • Convene or participate in regional discussions around reducing the barriers to mixed -income housing, exploring inclusionary housing strategies, assessing the feasibility of strategies to reduce risk, and furthering fair housing. • Elevate awareness of the opportunities to expand housing options As part of the implementation of this plan, the Council will continue to collaborate and consult with members of the community, especially historically under -represented populations. The Council's ongoing engagement necessary to implement this plan will follow the Council's Public Engagement Plan. Additionally, the Council invites the stakeholders of the Housing Policy Plan Work Group to continue to meet and to hold the Council accountable for the successful implementation of this Housing Policy Plan. Implementation: Resiliency Resiliency refers to the adaptability of something, in this case the goals and objectives of this plan. Despite our best knowledge and efforts, it is impossible to predict exactly what the characteristics of our region will be in the long-term. Some predictions are more certain than others, and while it may be all but inevitable that the population will grow and a large share of the growth will be people over the age 55, it is much more difficult to accurately predict migration patterns, which are subject to changing political and social environments, or infrastructure conditions that may drastically change due to natural disasters. While it is our duty to plan for the most likely scenarios, it is valuable to briefly consider some "what -ifs." This allows us to better prepare for contingencies and avoid unintended consequences that can render the best -laid plans ineffective at best and harmful at worst What if some or all planned fixed -route transitways do not materialize? This plan assumes that transitways with a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) approved will be built. Many housing goals and objectives direct an increase in density and intensity to where future transit stations are planned, and many communities and markets begin to factor future transit into decisions long before the lines are built or fully funded. Furthermore, the importance of housing's relationship with transit supports the many policies that recommend prioritizing a mix of housing affordability around transit. While the Twin Cities region has proven to be competitive in securing the state and federal resources required to realize planned transit expansions —largely comprised of Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)—there is no guarantee any additional LRT or BRT routes will be constructed beyond the existing system. Transit -oriented -development describes development that can be highly successful even without the high -intensity transit that identifies it. A mix of uses, a walkable environment, and access to jobs and amenities describe many existing rural downtowns and suburban neighborhoods with no current access to significant transit options. If planned fixed -route transitways are not realized, well -planned transit - oriented development can still succeed —though a re-evaluation of certain key characteristics, for example parking maximums and traffic management, could be necessary. The strategic emphasis on ensuring a mix of housing affordability near transit would also be affected if major transit investments planned for the region are not realized. While it is true that affordable housing 2040 HOUSING POLICY PLAN I METROPOLITAN COUNCIL DRAFT RELEASED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Part V: Implementation and Next Steps I Page 73