Agenda - Council - 06/28/2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Over time, our region has grown into a variety of cornrnunhUeo and neighborhoods with a wide range ofhousing. Single-family detached homes constitute 58Y6 of our region\ucurrent housing stock. Demand for this housing stock is projected to continue, but the segments of our population that are growing will consist of households that may increasingly prefer neighborhoods that differ from historical patterns. have Recent trends support this shift. Since 2000,only 43Y6ofour region\ubuilding permits have been for single-family detached homes. In both 2012and 2013,the region issued more building permits for multifamily units than for all housing units in2008,2009,2010or 2011.Much 0fthis recent multifamily construction has been inMinneapolis, reinforcing the disproportionate concentration ofmultifamily housing in our region'S largest two cities. Together, Minneapolis and St. Paul nearly 4 in 10 of the region's multifamily units. The livability challenge around these shifts iutocreate communities that offer satisfying experiences andrneetthedaibneedu for living, shopping, working, and recreation for all of our region\u demographic groups, not simply housing developments that offer a place to own or rent. Growing cohorts 0fresidents, including international immigrants and young professionals living alone, may need housing and transportation choices beyond what our region now offers. New Americans move to our region from across the globe, bringing with them unique cultural histories that enhance the richness and vibrancy of our region. Some of these new Americans also bring preferences for more multigenerational living than our current housing stock supports. Culturally sensitive housing can provide flexible spaces that accommodate the variety of uses culturally diverse residents desire. Kitchens that can be opened or hidden from view as needed, dining areas that can be expanded for large gatherings, and compartmentalized bathrooms that can be used by multiple people are just some examples of the kind of design elements that are culturally sensitive. In addition to design elements, culturally sensitive lending practices are also necessary to expand homeownership among groups whose religion prohibits paying interest. As new residents come to the region' will they find places that facilitate their settlement, allow them t0beconnected and healthy, provide affordability, community and employment, and offer opportunities to prosper? Going forward, each jurisdiction should examine whether it offers satisfying living options to attract and maintain 8 competitive workforce and meet the needs of current residents as they age. For example, does the local housing stock: * Provide a range of sizes, from studios and one -bedrooms to units with three, four, or five "TWo:omwrmmes