2020-03-12 Citizens Housing Commission Packet1
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Op E D
o Agenda
Edmonds Citizens Housing Commission
snl. tiHy° BRACKETT ROOM
121 5TH AVE N, CITY HALL - 3RD FLOOR, EDMONDS, WA 98020
MARCH 12, 2020, 6:30 PM
HOUSING COMMISSION'S MISSION
"DEVELOP DIVERSE HOUSING POLICY OPTIONS FOR (CITY) COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
DESIGNED TO EXPAND THE RANGE OF HOUSING (INCLUDING RENTAL AND OWNED)
AVAILABLE IN EDMONDS; OPTIONS THAT ARE IRRESPECTIVE OF AGE, GENDER, RACE,
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION, PHYSICAL DISABILITY OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION" - FROM CITY
COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 1427
ACKNOWLEDGMENT STATEMENT
"WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE ORIGINAL INHABITANTS OF THIS PLACE, THE SDOHOBSH
(SNOHOMISH) PEOPLE AND THEIR SUCCESSORS THE TULALIP TRIBES, WHO SINCE TIME
IMMEMORIAL HAVE HUNTED, FISHED, GATHERED, AND TAKEN CARE OF THESE LANDS. WE
RESPECT THEIR SOVEREIGNTY, THEIR RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION, AND WE HONOR THEIR
SACRED SPIRITUAL CONNECTION WITH THE LAND AND WATER." - CITY COUNCIL LAND
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
CALL TO ORDER
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
ROLL CALL
PUBLIC COMMENTS
COMMENTS FROM COMMISSION ALTERNATES
APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 13, 2020 MEETING MINUTES
Approval of February 13, 2020 Meeting Notes
RECAP OF VOTING PROTOCOLS
Voting Protocols
POLICY COMMITTEE STATUS REPORTS
Edmonds Citizens Housing Commission Agenda
March 12, 2020
Page 1
A. CITY RESOURCES COMMITTEE
B. INCENTIVES & REQUIREMENTS COMMITTEE
C. HOUSING TYPES COMMITTEE
D. ZONING UPDATES COMMITTEE
E. CITY PROCESSES OR PROGRAMS COMMITTEE
Policy Committee Status Report
9. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
A. REVIEW OF SURVEY #1 RESULTS
B. REVIEW OF FEBRUARY 12 OPEN HOUSE
C. REPORT FROM COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Community Engagement
10. PROPOSAL FOR MARCH 24 QUARTERLY REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL
March 24, 2020 Report
11. PROPOSAL FOR MORATORIUM ON ZONING CHANGES
Proposed Moratorium on Zoning Changes
12. POLICY FRAMEWORK AMENDMENTS (OPTIONAL)
1. Policy Framework Amendments
Policy Framework Amendments
13. WRAP-UP & ADJOURN
Edmonds Citizens Housing Commission Agenda
March 12, 2020
Page 2
Citizens Housing Commission Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 03/12/2020
Approval of February 13, 2020 Meeting Notes
Staff Lead: Shane Hope
Department: Citizens Housing Commission
Prepared By: Debbie Rothfus
Background/History
N/A
Staff Recommendation
Approve the meeting notes.
Narrative
Meeting notes from the 2/13/2020 meeting are attached.
Attachments:
ECHC_Meeting Notes_2.13.20
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EDMONDS CITIZENS' HOUSING COMMISSION
Meeting Notes — February 13, 2019
Brackett Room, City Hall - 3rd Floor
1215th Ave N, Edmonds, WA 98020
6:30 — 8:30 PM
A recording of the meeting is available on the City website. Meeting materials can be found on
the Citizens' Housing Commission Webpage.
ATTENDANCE
Commissioners
•
James Ogonowski, District 1
•
Karen Haase Herrick, District 1
•
Keith Soltner, District 2
•
Weijia (Vicky) Wu, District 2
•
George Keefe, District 3
•
John Reed, District 3
•
Michael McMurray, District 4
•
Nichole Franko, District 4
•
Tanya Kataria, District 5
•
Greg Long, District 5
•
Jess Blanch, District 6
•
Alena Nelson Vietmeier, District 6
•
Judi Gladstone, District 7
•
Will Chen, District 7
•
Bob Throndsen, At -large
Alternates
• Leif Warren, District 1
• Wendy Wyatt, District 2
• Eva -Denis Miller, District 3
• Kenneth Sund, District 4
• Rick Nishino, District 6
• Jean Salls, District 7
• Tana Axtelle, At -large
City Council Liaison
• Vivian Olson, Position 5
• Luke Distelhorst, Position 2
Project Staff
• Shane Hope, City of Edmonds
• Brad Shipley, City of Edmonds
• Amber Groll, City of Edmonds
• Gretchen Muller, Cascadia Consulting Group
• Kate Graham, Cascadia Consulting Group
*Indicates alternatives participating in the meeting on behalf of a Commissioner
AGENDA
1. ROLL CALL —Amber Groll
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
I. Two attendees provided public comment
3. ALTERNATE COMMENTS
I. Three alternates provided comment
4. REVIEW OF AGENDA & MEETING NOTES
I. Commission member read the land acknowledgement
II. Commission approved January 9, 2019 meeting notes
• Amended to correct the spelling of Vivian Olson's name
5. POLICY FRAMEWORK
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I. Commission voted to accept the proposed changes in pages 1-3 of the February 4 version of
the policy framework with the following amendments:
• Maintain item "C" in Policy Goals section
• Change the use of "should" to "shall" in the Analysis section
II. Commission tabled further discussion on the policy framework to next meeting
6. POLICY TOPIC OPTIONS
I. Commission members voted via sticky dots on their top priority policy topics. The topics
selected to become policy committees were:
• City Processes or Programs
• Incentive sand Requirements for low- and moderate -income housing
• Housing Types
• Obtaining or investing City resources
• Updating of Zoning Standards
II. Commission members and alternates were assigned to one of the five policy committees
based on interest
7. OTHER BUSINESS
I. Commission created an Outreach Committee to advise future public engagement activities
II. Commission created a committee to advise on the March 24 Quarterly Report to Council
8. ADJOURN
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Citizens Housing Commission Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 03/12/2020
Voting Protocols
Staff Lead: Shane Hope
Department: Citizens Housing Commission
Prepared By: Debbie Rothfus
Background/History
The Citizens' Housing Commission previously approved Operating Principles (attached) to provide
general meeting "ground rules" and a process for decision -making. At the February meeting, some
questions were raised about whether "Roberts Rules" should apply to decision -making. A streamlined
version of Roberts Rules (attached) has been developed for use to supplement the Commission's
Operating Principles.
Staff Recommendation
"Thumbs up" if okay with using the attached streamlined Roberts Rules when needed to supplement the
existing Operating Principles.
Narrative
The Housing Commission's attached Operating Principles, on page 2, provide guidance on making
decisions. For example, routine decisions can generally be made by a head nod or "thumbs up"; policy
decisions generally need a formal vote.
When needed, a few simple parts of Roberts Rules may be used to supplement the Operating Principles
However, we do not recommend using the full, more complex version of Roberts Rules, which would
require a strict parliamentary process and may work against Commissioner conversation. Instead, the
Commission may use the attached "light version" of Roberts Rules when needed in voting situations.
Attachments:
Operating. Principles
Streamlined.RR
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Housing Commission:
Operating Principles
This document has two sections to guide the Commission's meeting process:
(1) Ground Rules
(2) Decision -making Protocol.
Ground Rules
• Be patient, direct, and honest in respectful consideration of each other's views.
• Take responsibility for our own issues and problems.
• Be sensitive to different communication styles and needs.
• Come prepared to use meeting time productively.
• Be present and engaged throughout the meeting.
• Provide sufficient notice if unable to make a scheduled meeting.
• Strive to reach common ground.
• It is okay to agree to disagree.
• Allow one person to speak at a time.
• Speak clearly to ensure everyone at the table can hear.
• Alternates take a seat at the Commission table when they are substituting for the Commissioner of
his/her zone or district. Only people seated at the table may speak during the time reserved for
Commissioner discussions. Alternates will be brought at key times throughout the process as listed
below.
o Time near the beginning of standing meetings (before the substantive subjects get started) for
each alternate to have one minute to offer any comments they want (This will not be a dialogue;
just a short, simple statement by any alternates who wish).
o Alternates can make written comments on a card or paper during the meeting, which will be
copied and shared with all Commission members after the meeting (These would also be public
records).
o Separate conversations and written exchanges among alternates and/or Commissioners —so
long as no more than seven members (i.e., less than a quorum) are part of the conversation.
(Any written exchanges are part of the public record).
o Participation by alternates in any future Commission committees that work on specific issues
(which may occur in 2020).
Use table tents to indicate that you have something to say. The facilitator will call on people in the order
that their table tents go up.
• Have fun!
Edmonds Citizens' Housing Advisory Committee I GROUND RULES AND DECISION -MAKING PROTOCOL 12-09-
2019 1 1
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Decision -making Protocol
This planning process, by design, brings a diversity of perspectives to the table. It is therefore important the
Commission identifies a clear process for how it will make decisions. The Commission should aim for consensus;
however, the Commission will make decisions by simple majority. Please note that Commissioners are serving
the City of Edmonds as a whole and not the individual zone in which they live.
Quorums and Voting
A quorum is established when more than one half of the Commissioners are present. (Note: An alternate
member counts as a Commissioner when she/he is performing the Commissioner role.) A quorum must be
present for voting to occur. Voting will be mainly reserved for decisions related to policy recommendations.
When voting occurs, the facilitator will call for the vote. Commission members will signal their vote by a simple N
group voice vote of "yes, "no”, or "abstain" when each is asked by the facilitator, provided that on votes that 0
appear close —or any time the facilitator or a Commissioner requests it, each Commissioner's individual vote o
may be taken by roll call.ILL_
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The facilitator or designee will record all votes. c
For all routine decisions such as process -related decisions and approval of meeting summaries, Commissioners N
will be asked to approve or disagree with a simple head nod versus a formal vote.
Consensus
Consensus is a group process where the input of everyone is carefully considered and an outcome is crafted that
best meets the needs of the group as a whole. The root of consensus is the word consent, which means to give
permission to. When members consent to a decision, they are giving permission to the group to go ahead with
the decision. Ideally, consensus represents whole -hearted agreement and support by all Commission members;
however, it can be achieved with less than this level of support. Some members may disagree with all or part of
a decision, but based on listening to everyone else's input, might agree to let the decision go forward because it
is the best decision the entire group can achieve at the current time. For purposes of this effort, consensus is
defined as an outcome that all Commission members can "live with" and agree not to oppose, even if it is not
their preferred choice. The Commission will consider consensus achieved if, for simple procedural issues, the
facilitator or designee observes that all Commission members present nod their head for approval and none
objects or, for substantive issues (such as policy recommendations), all Commissioners present choose to
abstain or not vote, or they vote to approve. Although this process strives to achieve consensus as outlined
above, decisions related to Commission recommendations will be achieved by simple majority as outlined
below.
Approval by Simple Majority
Votes that do not require consensus can be approved if more than half of Commissioners present (i.e., at least 8
Commissioners) either abstain or vote yes.
The facilitator or designee will record the results of all votes.
Edmonds Citizens' Housing Advisory Committee I GROUND RULES AND DECISION -MAKING PROTOCOL 12-09-
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March 12, 2020
Streamlined Version of Roberts Rules
For Housing Commission Use
As Needed to Supplement Existing Decision -Making Protocol
ACTION
WHAT TO
NEED A
DEBATED?
CAN BE
VOTES
SAY
SECOND?
AMENDED?
NEEDED
Introduce
"I move to...."
Yes
Yes
Yes
Simple
main motion
Majority
Offer friendly
"I offer a
No — But
No (though
Yes
N/A
amendment
friendly
must be
discussion/clarification
to motion
amendment
accepted by
allowed between
to..."
original
amendment offeror
motion
and original motion
maker
maker)
Formally
"I move to
Yes
Yes
Yes
Simple
amend a
amend the
Majority
motion
motion by...."
(add or strike
words or
both)
Postpone
"I move to
Yes
Yes
No
Simple
item
postpone the
Majority
matter
until...."
Extend the
"I move to
Yes
No
Yes
Simple
allotted time
extend the
Majority
time by_
minutes"
Table a
"I move to
Yes
No
No
Simple
motion
table...."
Majority
** Please reference the Commission's existing Decision -making Protocol for information about quorums
and voting by simple majority.
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Citizens Housing Commission Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 03/12/2020
Policy Committee Status Report
Staff Lead: Shane Hope
Department: Citizens Housing Commission
Prepared By: Debbie Rothfus
Background/History
Five policy committees were designated at the Housing Commission's February 12 meeting to begin
working on policy ideas for the full Commission to consider in April.
Staff Recommendation
N/A
Narrative
The policy committees have begun working as small groups on policy ideas to present to the full Housing
Commission. Policy ideas are intended to bring forward the opportunity for the Commission to decide
what should be considered further. Further consideration would include public input. Policy ideas are
simply that -ideas, not final recommendations.
The five policy committees each have a topic:
1. City resources
2. Incentives and requirements
3. Ways to encourage more housing types
4. Zoning Update (related to existing housing types)
5. City processes or programs.
Attached are status reports that have been provided by the policy committees. Status reports will also
be provided orally at the March 12 meeting from each committee.
As committees complete their work on these topics, they may be designated to work on other topics
and bring back more ideas for the Housing Commission's consideration.
Attachments:
2020-03-07 City Resources Policy Committee Update
ZONING STDS POLICY March 12 Report to Housing Commission
Incentives.Requirments.Cmmttee
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Edmonds Cltizens' Housing Commission
City Resources Policy Committee Update
March 2020
Members: Jess Blanch, George Keefe, Weijia Wu
The City Resources Policy Committee is considering a number of resources, both financial and otherwise,
that the City could utilize to expand the range of housing available in Edmonds. The committee
anticipates providing policy recommendations for consideration at the April Housing Commission
meeting. Issues currently under consideration by the committee are listed below:
Revenue
• State Sales Tax Credit: The committee is considering recommendations for the use of funds
provided by SHB 1406 passed by the Washington State Legislature in the 2019 session and
codified as RCW 82.14.540. Under this source, local municipalities are able to share a sales tax
credit from the state to invest in affordable and supportive housing. Edmonds City Council has
passed both a resolution and an ordinance to take advantage of this funding opportunity. As of
this writing, EHB 2797 was being considered in the legislature to clarify some issues in the
legislation passed in the previous session. The committee is waiting to see the outcome of that
bill before making formal recommendations.
• Councilmanic Authority: The committee notes the recent advancement through the legislature
of HB 1590, allowing the local sales and use tax for affordable housing to be imposed by a
councilmanic authority. Similar to the aforementioned EHB 2797, the committee will await
finalization of legislation at the end of session before making recommendations.
• Other Revenue Sources: The committee is researching other potential revenue sources such as
document recording fees, fees for demolition of existing housing stock, and real estate excise
taxes. Consideration is being given to community input expressing concern over high property
taxes.
• Potential Uses of Revenue: Depending on the requirements attached to the source, uses of
revenue to support housing affordability could include capital investments (i.e. building
acquisition or construction), rental assistance, home repair lending, down payment assistance,
or others. The revenue generated through the above sources and others could be used within
the City of Edmonds, or pooled with other municipalities in the County to address housing
affordability at a larger scale.
Other Resources
• Surplus Public Land: Work is being done state-wide to promote the use of surplus public
property for public benefit, including for the development of affordable housing. The
committee has requested information from Director Hope regarding an inventory of
publicly -owned land in the City of Edmonds. This land could be evaluated for the feasibility of
Edmonds Citizens' Housing Commission City Resources Policy Committee Update March 2020
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housing development (considering zoning, financial feasibility, etc.). If transferred to a nonprofit
for the provision of housing to low-income people, the land could be offered at no cost.
• Interlocal Agreement: The City of Edmonds has the opportunity to enact an Interlocal
Agreement with the Housing Authority of Snohomish County (HASCO) to allow HASCO to acquire
property in Edmonds for the preservation of existing housing in order to remove that housing
from the pressures of the open market. While this does not directly require resources from the
City itself, it speaks to the coordination of county -wide resources to improve housing
affordability in our region.
• Homesharing Opportunities: Services like Silvernest help to match homeowners with renters,
with a specific focus on older adults. This could be a tool to help seniors in Edmonds stay in their
homes longer and reduce their costs while promoting connection and independence and
reducing isolation. Local examples include Fidalgo Island Share a Home, Shared Housing
Services, and Fishline. The City could allocate resources to encourage the expansion of
homesharing assistance programs to our community.
Edmonds Citizens' Housing Commission City Resources Policy Committee Update March 2020
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ZONING STANDARDS POLICY SUBCOMMITTEE
REPORT TO HOUSING COMMISSION
March 12, 2020
The subcommittee has met twice, on February 25 (2.5 hrs) and March 5 (2.0 hrs). Members in
attendance were John Reed, Karen Haase Herrick, Keith Soltner, Kenneth Sund and Greg Long. Leif
Erickson was ill, but submitted comments in writing for our second meeting, which are considered in the
comments below.
Discussion items have included:
• Plans for the Highway 99 Subarea, including benefits of adding transition zones between the
subarea and surrounding single- and multi -family zones and development / redevelopment of
both commercial and residential, the adjacent Esperance unincorporated area
• Single -Family & Multi -Family Residential Zones (Chapters 16.00. 16.01, 16.20 & 16.30)
o Including affordable housing options, cluster housing
• Chapters 20.10, 20.11, 22.43 & 16.43 — Review and Design Standards for the BD Zone
• Possible modification of the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and Detached ADU Code provisions
(Chapter 20.21)
• Incorporation of several alternative housing options in RM zones
• The need to provide adequate and clear parking standards / requirement as part of this process,
including those set forth in the Single Family Residential (IRS)
• Other Chapters to possibly be included in future discussions:
o 16.77 —Office Residential
0 17.50 — Off -Street Parking Regulations
0 20.25 — Housing for Low Income Elderly
0 20.35 — Planned Residential Development
o 20.75 — Subdivisions
o 21.30 - Families
• We also plan to consider the impact of non -code regulations such as the Multi -Family Tax
Exemption (MFTE) process (currently applicable to the BD Zones and the Hwy 99 subarea plan)
and the Creative District
We do not have any firm conclusions or recommendations on these items. We are planning to meet
several more times in March and early April prior to our April 9 meeting, and are working on a meeting
schedule to involve as many subcommittee members on our team as possible in those meetings.
Prepared by John Reed on behalf of the subcommittee.
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From the 'Incentives & Requirements' Committee
We are researching a number of topics:
• Attached or Accessory Dwelling units-
• Changes to city zoning to allow them
o Specified lot sizes/locations
o Possible incentives/exemptions
o Design a number of plans, pre -approved by the city
o Speed permitting of such approved units
• Use of sales tax credit for 'affordable' housing-
• Edmonds is eligible
o Funds could be used for exemptions/incentives
o Can be used to preserve existing housing
o Can be used to provide Supportive housing'
■ Which means medical/social services
• Seniors/those with Disabilities-
• Edmonds city tax relief in conjunction with county plan
o Offer exemptions/incentives to retrofit or create new
• Multi -family projects-
• Create requirements for indoor and outdoor amenities
o City Architectural Design board helps in project approval
o Create projects that support and do NOT affect character
o Multi -family projects not limited to Westgate and Hiway 99
o Requirements for multi -family to be ADA compliant
o Additional incentives/'in lieu' of monies
• Community land trusts
o Land trusts, non-profit, can rehab older homes
o A way to preserve some Edmonds smaller, distinct homes
o Sales tax housing receipts could be used for CLT
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Citizens Housing Commission Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 03/12/2020
Community Engagement
Staff Lead: Shane Hope
Department: Citizens Housing Commission
Prepared By: Debbie Rothfus
Background/History
An online survey and open house about housing were completed in February. In addition, the
Community Engagement Advisory Committee met during the week of March 2, 2020, to discuss and
provide recommendations on next steps for community engagement.
Staff Recommendation
N/A
Narrative
The February 12 Open House on housing issues in Edmonds had about 90 people in attendance. The
display boards used for the Open House, as well as the comments from all Open House work sessions,
are posted online at: https://www.citizenshousingcommission.org/.
The Housing Commission has also received the results of the online survey. The results include a
summary (attached) and a detailed version that has all specific comments. This same information is on
the City website at: https://www.citizenshousingcommission.org/.
At the Commission's March 12 meeting, the City's community engagement specialist will provide an
overview of the Open House and online survey. (See attachment.) Immediately after, the Commission
will provide any additional observations and questions.
Given what has been learned and looking forward to the next public engagement opportunity, the
Commission's Community Engagement Advisory Committee met during the week of March 2. The
committee was comprised of the following Commission members: Tanya Kateria, Karen Haase Herrick,
John Reed, Greg Long, and Alena Nelson-Vietmeier. At the March 12 meeting, the committee will report
on what was discussed and recommended for next steps in public engagement
Attachments:
Com_.Engagement.Overview.Short
ECHC_SurveylResultsSummary_v1
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March 12, 2020
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Key Takeaways -Survey # 1
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• 907 responses — 91% of respondents live in Edmonds
0 11% rent — 88% own
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• The majority of respondents supported the housing d
types presented in the survey0
• Most important factors when looking for a place to live: W
neighborhood safety, price/rent, and sense of community
• Concerns: taxes, traffic, and changes to single family zoning z
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Key Takeaways - Open House #1
• Themes of discussions:
o Importance of maintaining Edmonds character
o Impacts of different housing types
o Concern for increased density
o Environmental impacts
o Impacts of growth on existing infrastructure
o Long-term impacts of IVIFTE
o Affordability
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Outreach Committee Meeting
• Key takeaways and reflections from the open house and
survey
• Opportunities to diversify community participation
• Ideas for upcoming May event and survey
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Edmonds Citizens' Housing Commission E
Online Survey #1 °
Survey Summary
February 2019
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Overview
The Citizens' Housing Commission's mission is to "Develop, for Council consideration, diverse
housing policy options designed to expand the range of housing (including rental and owned)
available in Edmonds — irrespective of age, gender, race religious affiliation, physical disability,
or sexual orientation," (Council Resolution 1427).
The Commission is made up entirely of Edmonds residents from across the city. There are 15
Commissioners and 8 alternates. In 2019, each City Council person appointed two
Commissioners and one alternate and the Mayor appointed one Commissioner and one
alternate. The Commission's recommendations are to be completed by the end of 2020 for City
Council consideration. The City Council has the ultimate authority to make decisions about any
recommendations. a�
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Community Engagement is integral to the commission process. The city conducted a
community online survey to better understand community members' priorities and concerns W
regarding housing in Edmonds. The survey was available from January 29 to February 21,
2020. The survey was administered through SurveyMonkey and available in English, Spanish,
traditional Chinese, and Korean. The survey was marketed via local news outlets, social media, E
a newsletter to project subscribers, posters at local businesses and community centers, and o
direct emails to Edmonds community groups. U
Survey Responses
We received 907 total responses with an 85% completion rate. The survey was offered on
paper by request; 18 paper surveys were returned.
91 % of respondents reported that they live in the City of Edmonds. Of those that responded
they live in Edmonds, 10% rent their current home and 88% own their current home. 43% of
respondents reported that they have lived in Edmonds for more than 20 years.
Summary of Findings
Percentages for each question are based on the number of the respondents who answered the
question, not the total number of respondents who took the survey. For open-ended responses,
we've summarized what we heard by sharing popular and notable themes.
Housing Priorities and Concerns
• Respondents reported that when looking for a place to live, the five most important
factors are Neighborhood safety (72%), Price/rent (49%), Sense of community (48%),
Walkability (44%) and Potential to stay in the home for a long time (44%)
o The most important factors for respondents who rent their current home were
Price/rent (87%) and Neighborhood Safety (67%)
o The most important factors for respondents who own their current home were
Neighborhood Safety (74%) and Sense of Community (50%)
Citizens' Housing Commission Online Survey #1 Summary I Page 2 of 5
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• Respondents reported that they are very concerned about Changes to property and/or
real estate taxes (58%), Changes to traffic (50%), Changes to zoning in single family
neighborhoods (49%), Crime (48%), and Environmental impacts (48%)
o The highest concern for respondents who rent their current home were
Environmental impacts (50% very concerned) and Changes to traffic (45% very
concerned)
o The highest concerns for people who own their current home were Changes to
property and/or real estate taxes (62% very concerned) and Changes to zoning
in single family neighborhoods (52% very concerned)
• 58% of respondents reported they agree it is important that people who work in
Edmonds can afford to live here
• 50% of respondents reported they agree it is important that people who currently rent in
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Current Housing in Edmonds
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• 61 % of respondents reported they agree that there is a lack of affordable housing
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options in Edmonds
o 89% of respondents who rent their current home agree; 56% of respondents who
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own their home agree
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• 56% of respondents reported they agree that there is a lack of opportunities for seniors
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to "age in place"
• 78% of respondents reported they agree it is important that single family neighborhoods
remain zoned as single family. 56% strongly agree.
• Over the last 5 years the highest reported rising cost of living for respondents that rent
their current home was Housing (54%), and for respondents that own their current home
it was Taxes (49%)
• 50% of respondents reported being housing cost burdened (paying more than 30% of
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their income for housing); 15% reported being severely cost -burdened (paying more
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than 50% of their income for housing)
o Of respondents who rent their current home 69% reported paying more than 30%
of their monthly income on housing; 32% reported paying more than 50% of their
monthly income
o Of respondents who own their current home 43% reported paying more than
30% of their monthly income on housing; 10% reported paying more than 50% of
their monthly income
• Respondents reported that it is difficult to find suitable housing for young adults who are
just entering the labor market (66%) and to find suitable housing to buy (52%)
o Overall, respondents that rent their current home found it more difficult to find
suitable housing. 69% found it difficult to find suitable rental housing, 72% found
it difficult to find suitable housing to buy, and 58% found it difficult to find suitable
housing for a family of four or more.
Citizens' Housing Commission Online Survey #1 Summary I Page 3 of 5
Packet Pg. 22
9.C.b
• 66% of respondents who gave a definite answer reported that is it difficult to find
accessible housing for people with disabilities (this does not factor the 46% of
respondents who selected I'm not sure)
Housing Types
All the below questions received more than 50% agreement from both respondents who rent
their current home and those who own their current home. Level of agreement was generally
10-15% higher for respondents who rent their current home.
• 63% of respondents reported they support Detached Accessory Dwelling Units on lots in
single family neighborhoods in one or more locations in Edmonds, provided there are
parking and development standards. 35% strongly agree. E
a,
• 60% of respondents reported they support some opportunities for more duplexes,
triplexes, and townhomes in one or more locations in Edmonds W
• 59% of respondents reported they support higher density housing close to transit
corridors in Edmonds
• 55% of respondents reported they support some opportunities for more multi -family o
housing options in one or more locations in Edmonds 0
Themes in Written Feedback
The below themes are summarized from the three open-ended response questions. Themes
were selected and paraphrased based on frequency of comments surrounding the given
comment or idea.
• Architectural character and aesthetics are important when building new housing
• The small-town character and feel of Edmonds is important to preserve
• Respondents have worked hard to afford their home in Edmonds
• Request that the Commission consider the long-term impacts of policies and listen to
community feedback
• Request that housing policies align with the needs of Edmonds, not replicate Seattle or
other nearby cities
• Request for improved sidewalks and/or more walkable neighborhoods
• Support for accepting change
• Support for Detached Accessory Dwelling Units as a way to downsize or allow family
members (children, parents) to live onsite while maintaining neighborhood character
• Support for increased density and housing development along HWY 99
• Support for increased transit options
• Support for keeping Edmonds how it is
• Support for more affordable housing options
Citizens' Housing Commission Online Survey #1 Summary I Page 4 of 5
Packet Pg. 23
9.C.b
• Support for smaller housing options, specifically mentioned are DADUS and ADUS,
cottage communities, duplexes, and tiny homes
• Concern for an increase in growth/density
• Concern for an increase in taxes
• Concern for changes to single family zoning
• Concern for congregating all multi -family housing in one area (Westgate, HWY 99)
• Concern for environmental impacts and tree preservation
• Concern for high-rise development, especially within the bowl
• Concern for parking
• Concern for rising housing costs pushing out longtime residents and those on fixed
incomes
• Concern for subsidized housing
• Concern for traffic
• Concern that seniors do not have opportunities to downsize in Edmonds
Community Engagement
• 63% of respondents reported that weekday evenings work best for in -person events
The most common places respondents reported they receive information about
community events and news was Online news sources (76%), Print Newspaper (47%),
Word of mouth (39%), and social media like Facebook (33%) and Nextdoor (31 %)
r
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Citizens' Housing Commission Online Survey #1 Summary I Page 5 of 5
Packet Pg. 24
Citizens Housing Commission Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 03/12/2020
March 24, 2020 Report
Staff Lead: Shane Hope
Department: Citizens Housing Commission
Prepared By: Debbie Rothfus
Background/History
Resolution 1427 calls for the Housing Commission to provide a quarterly report to the City Council. The
next report would be on March 24.
Staff Recommendation
Give head nod when asked for approval of committee's proposal for the
March 24 quarterly report
Narrative
An advisory committee comprised of Jim Ogonowski, Bob Throndsen, and Keith Soltner has developed a
draft presentation for the Commission's March 24 report to the City Council. (See attachment.) The
draft would still get a final formatting and polishing before the Council meeting.
The report would be made by the three Commissioners at the City Council's March 24 public meeting.
All other Commission members are welcome to attend the meeting and be recognized during the
presentation.
Attachments:
Second Quarterly Report (1)
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8
Citizens' Housing Commission
0
Quarterly Update
Edmonds City Council Meeting
March 24, 2020
DRAFT
Packet Pg. 26
10.a
Agenda
• Background/ Schedule
• Quarterly Accomplishments
• Community Engagement
• Open house
• Housing survey
• Next Steps
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Background / Schedule
• Council Resolution # 1427 established
Housing Commission &Commission's
role to:
• Develop diverse housing policy options for
Council consideration designed to expand
the range of housing (including rental and
owned) available in Edmonds; options that
are irrespective of age, gender, race,
religious affiliation, physical disability or
sexual orientation
10.a
• Commission Make-up
• We live in Edmonds L
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• We have varied backgrounds
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• We bring diverse and independent ide N
• Always working towards a common go
• Maintaining unique community
• Creating smart growth for the future
0
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Se 19
Oct-19
Nov-19
Dec19
Jan-20
Fe6-20 M.,a 20 Apr-20 May-20 Jun-20 Jul-20
Aug-20
Sep-20
Oct-20 Nov-20
Dec-20
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Establish foundation
Identify Kramwork for Policies
Prioritize Policy Topics & i evelop
Options
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Develop Preliminary Policy
Recommendations
Refine & Finalize
Recommendations
Provide for Community
A
Engagement
•
1
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■
Update City Council
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Housing Commission Membership
• Commissioners
• City Council Liaisons'
• City Staff
• Consultants
C
Packet Pg. 29
Quarterly Accomplishments
• Continued monthly public meetings
• Hosted 1st Open House
• Completed 1st Community housing
survey
• Formed five initial policy committees:
• Zoning/existing housing
• New housing financial resources
• Housing types
• Building incentives/requirements
• City processes/permitting
wrw, •-
Packet Pg. 30
Open House
• Three station format
• Approximately 90 attendees
• Community feedback
• Hot topics
• Infrastructure
• Urbanization
• Mass transit
• Density impact on schools
• Concerns
• Multi -family abutting Single family
• Higher density
• Maintaining Single family zoning
• Character of Edmonds
• Not enough time for Q&A
10.a
• Community feedback (cont.)
L
• Ideas/suggestions Q
• Provide goals of commission during the
Open House as part of the opening N
presentation
• Indicate current Edmonds population
• Indicate percent of increased population Q
goal by 2035
21
• Discuss during Open House
• Maintaining Edmonds character
• Integrate housing, commercial, mass
transit, bike and walking paths into the Cit,
fiber E
• Refine zoning by constructing transition w
housing between Single family and Multi- a
family zones
• Maintaining parks and green space
• Emphasize Q&A during and aft packet Pg. 31
station presentations
10.a
Housing Survey
• Categories of Survey Questions
• Understanding citizens values
• Current housing in Edmonds
• Housing types
• Demographic information
• 907 total responses
• 91% residents / 9% non-residents
• 88% own / 12% rent
• 43% >20 yrs. in Edmonds
• 2.52 People/Household
• Over 11000 additional comments
• Initial Survey Analysis
• Useful information obtained
• Responses represent 2% of Edmonds'
population
0
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• Major themes: N
• Retaining single family zoning
• Lack of affordable housing in Edmonds
• Lack of opportunities for seniors to age in Q
place
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• Some support for allowing detached 3
accessory dwellings, with appropriate
standards °
• Lack of housing options for people with
disabilities
• Importance of preserving small-town
character of Edmonds.
• Property and/or real estate taxes
• Analysis of survey results continuin
Packet Pg. 32
10.a
Next steps
• Additional community
engagement:
• Open Houses
• Solicit community
ideas/feedback
• Commission Meetings always
open to the public
• City Hall, Brackett Room, 3rd
floor
• April 9
• May 14
• Citizens Housing
Commission/video
• Analysis of data and community
input
0
N
• Policydevelopment N
committees L
• All Policy recommendations Q
finalized by Commission
• Final recommendations to City
Council, December 2020 N
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Citizens Housing Commission Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 03/12/2020
Proposed Moratorium on Zoning Changes
Staff Lead: Shane Hope
Department: Citizens Housing Commission
Prepared By: Debbie Rothfus
Background/History
The Housing Commission was created by the City Council to make policy recommendations for
expanding the range of housing options in Edmonds. A Housing Commission member is proposing that
the Council enact a resolution to postpone any changes to current housing -related codes.
Staff Recommendation
Be cautious about adopting
Narrative
A Housing Commissioner has proposed that the City Council adopt a resolution to postpone enactment
of any changes to housing -related codes. (See attachment.)
At the same time, the City Council has requested that staff move forward with minor code clean-ups and
prepare for more major updates in the future. However, the code issues to be considered this year are
not directly related to "expanding the range of housing" or altering the composition of zoning districts in
Edmonds. In fact, the City Council has already indicated in public meetings that it does not want to take
action on items directly related to the Housing Commission's work. For example, the City Council
cautioned the Planning Board to not work on new options for accessory dwelling units until the Housing
Commission finishes its work. Likewise, the City Council deferred making a decision on how to use the
sales tax credit, which it adopted a few months ago for housing purposes, until the Housing Commission
had a chance to make a recommendation.
Attachments:
DRAFT Moratorium.Proposal_J.Ogonowski
Packet Pg. 35
DRAFT PROPOSAL
From Commissioner Ogonowski
For Housing Commission Consideration on March 12
I'm specifically asking our Housing Commission to recommend to the City Council that they enact a
resolution which postpones enactment of any changes to current housing related codes or ordinances
(i.e. a moratorium) until after the Edmonds Citizens' Housing Commission completes our work and
provides housing policy recommendations to the City Council. The intent of this motion is to provide the
Housing Commission the time to complete our work with an unaltered landscape of current codes and
ordinances and to prevent the City Council from unintentionally enacting legislation or setting a
precedence which may be contrary or counter -productive with our final recommendations. Once our
policy recommendations are presented to the City Council, they will then have better visibility to make
well-informed decisions on housing related issues, including codes and ordinances.
Packet Pg. 36
Citizens Housing Commission Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 03/12/2020
Policy Framework Amendments
Staff Lead: Shane Hope
Department: Citizens Housing Commission
Prepared By: Debbie Rothfus
Background/History
The Edmonds Citizens' Housing Commission was established by the City Council, under Resolution No.
1427. Its mission is to recommend diverse housing policy options that will "expand the range of housing
(including rental and owned) available in Edmonds --irrespective of age, gender, race, religious affiliation,
physical disability, or sexual orientation."
The concept of having a policy framework to help the Housing Commission move forward in developing
and recommending policies was discussed early on in the Commission's work. A draft Policy Framework
was then discussed at the Commission's January 9 meeting. The Commission adopted the Policy
Framework on January 9 as presented but also recognized that it was a "living document" and
amendments could be made, including at the next meeting.
City staff reviewed the Housing Commission's discussion from the January 9 meeting and identified
potential amendments based on that discussion. The potential amendments for the Commission's
consideration on February 13 and continuing to March 12 are summarized in the Narrative section
below under the subheading "Policy Framework Amendments".
The Commission ha already moved forward with some aspects of the Policy Framework, including by: (a)
identifying and prioritizing specific policy ideas to pursue; (b) forming committees to begin development
of the priority policy ideas; and (c) generally agreeing on next steps.
Staff Recommendation
Approve Policy Framework Amendments
Narrative
Recognizing the Commission's January 9 discussion, a marked -up version of the approved Policy
Framework was prepared for the February meeting (Attachment 1). After some discussion, the
Commission felt it could not make timely progress and tabled the discussion until the next meeting.
The mark-ups reflect potential amendments to simplify and clarify the Policy Framework. If the draft
amendments are acceptable, the Commission may simply vote to approve them. Alternatively, any
Commissioner may propose something else by making a specific motion for it and, if the motion is
seconded, having it voted on by the Commission.
The potential amendments are in seven categories:
1. Minor clarifications (small wording changes for clarity) in several sections.
Packet Pg. 37
2. "Policy Goals"-- Dropping of two of the five goals because those two are not specific and hard to
quantify in terms of expected results; in addition, they can be better addressed in the policy analysis
stage, rather than as goals.
3. "Broad Categories of Policy Topics" -- Removal of long list of options and substituting a short
paragraph that refers to the mission and goals. It recognizes that, at a broad level, policy topics relate to
categories of: (a) housing supply/types; (b) needs; (c) programs; and (d) resources. It also states that the
Commission may add categories and topics later if needed. NOTE: A group exercise will be held during
the February 13 discussion of the Policy Framework to identify specific policy ideas that the Commission
wants to pursue. (These more specific ideas would be related to --but not directly included in --the Policy
Framework.)
4. "Analysis" --Adding a new section about policy analysis and factors to consider.
5. " Policy Committees"-- Adding that generally, each committee member should only participate in one
policy committee at a time and for policy proposals to generally come through designated policy
committees.
6. "Steps to Developing Policies" --Adds specificity about having written reports and the usual practice
regarding minority opinions.
7. Framework Amendments-- Adding a new section that the Policy Framework is intended to be a living
document and may be amended by the Housing Commission at any time.
Attachments:
PolicyFramewk_02.04.20
CHC_Policy Framework Graphic
Packet Pg. 38
12.a
Mission of the Citizens' Housing Commission, per City Council Resolution No.
1427:
Develop, for Council consideration, diverse housing policy options
designed to expand the range of housing (including rental and owned)
available in Edmonds — irrespective of age, gender, race religious
affiliation, physical disability, or sexual orientation.
januar-y gEgbruary 4. 2020
Housing Policy Framework
Purpose of Framework
The purpose of the Policy Framework is to give overall guidance for the
development of specific policies that the Edmonds Citizens' Housing Commission
will recommend to the City Council.
Policy Goals
The policies recommended by the Housing Commission will:
a) Be consistent with the mission to expand the range of housing, both rental
and owned, irrespective of age, gender, race, religious affiliation, physical
disability, or sexual orientation
b) Provide diverse options that are within the authority of the Edmonds City
Council to enact or support
e) PFoteet o „l,-,nce community livability and neighborr vvd-ch—a-percter-
d) Dreyid-e for reed-o of exioting r oirl a tS uRhil^ -AlS^ A xpke ping new residents
ejc Encourage housing that is affordable for a range of incomes and needs
Applicability of Policies
Each recommended policy should be applicable to --Edmonds. This could be
accomplished by any of the followingone OF n49F^ of the f.,lleWjHg:
1 I- el„die„ in Ar ,lirpr#ier f^rChanges to the City's comprehensive plan
2. Guidance for amending City development regulations (including zoning
regulations)
3 Geographic or- zoning locationsPlaces or areas -to consider for allowing
additional housing or more types of housing
4. Guidance for programs and processes that the City may create, continue, or
refine
5. ee fed City pFacticesuand ppreeessies
.5. Guidance for investment of City resources
Packet Pg. 39
12.a
-7-.6. Availability of new resources (financial or otherwise) for a housing need
8-.7. Options for partnerships
-9-.8. Public information about hour ng o share
Broad Categories of Policy Topics
Each proposed policy must address some aspect of one ^r mere^f thea Nr^aathe
Housing Commission's designated mission from Resolution 1427 or a policy goal
identified in this Framework. categories of topics listed in this section.At a broad
level, the most relevant policy categories related to housing, are:
a) Supply/types
b Needs
c) Programs
d) Resources.
The Housing Commission may also add policy categories and topics as needed to
help the Commission achieve its mission.
Access to opportunities (e.g., to jobs, schools, , ,
tFansit)
Packet Pg. 40
12.a
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staffing, or- volunteer assistance
Analysis
Each policy proposal should be developed with consideration or analysis of
factors that are appropriate to the topic. This may include consideration of
the following:
❑ Is this likelv to increase the sunnly of low-income housinLi?
❑ Is this likely to increase the supply of moderate -income housing?
❑ Is this likely to increase the supply of housing for seniors or others groups
with special needs?
❑ Will this reduce property values?
❑ Will this impact the general tax burden of residents or nronerty owners in
Edmonds?
❑ Will this affect businesses and economic vitality?
❑ Does this take into account transit opportunities?
❑ Does this take into account proximity to services, parks, shopping, or other
amenities?
❑ Does this impact traffic or the environment and, if so, can the impacts be
reduced?
❑ How will this affect community livability or neighborhood character?
❑ How will this affect renters? How will it affect owners?
❑ Is this likely to increase or decrease housing options for groups of people
who have been discriminated against in the past?
❑ Are there other specific issues or impacts that should be considered for the
proposal?
Public Input on Policy Development
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12.a
• Community engagement on policy development will be actively sought in
multiple ways throughout the process.
• One or more public events for input on draft policies will be held prior to the
Commission's finalization of policies to recommend to the City Council.
• All public input will be considered and incorporated as appropriate.
• For policies recommended by the Housing Commission, the City Council will
seek additional public input before deciding on any action.
Steps to Developing Policies
The Commission's development of individual policies will generally follow seven
steps (listed below). Sometimes, two or more of these steps may be taken within a
single meeting and or include the time between meetings. [Note: Steps 3-2 and 5
are especially suitable for input by committees of the Commission.] At any meeting,
the Commission may consider multiple policies. Also, policy development may
occur in phases. Not all policy ideas need to be considered at once, but may be taken
in phases or batches.
1. Commission selection and prioritization of proposed policy topics that are
the sAff-fit ly the one of the broad categories „*mina inconsistent
with -the Policy Framework
2. Initial analysis and Ddevelopment of each specific policy proposal (in either
detailed or conceptual language) to address the selected priority topic,
consistent with the Framework goals
3. Presentation orally and in writing of specific policy proposals, along with
factors of analysis, to the full Commission, for further consideration
4. Agreement by Commission majority on each policy proposal that is to be
considered further as a draft policy, including any revisions
5. Commission's further consideration of draft policies, including public input
and any additional information
6. Acceptance, elimination, or refinement (based on Commission majority vote)
of each draft policy
7. Approval by Commission majority on final policies to recommend to the City
Council. Note: As is the general City practice, minority reports will not be
included in the Commission's final recommendations but relevant
information to the analysis from both the majority and minority perspectives
will be incorporated.]
For a visual representation of these steps, see attachment.
Policy Committees
The Housing Commission may authorize committees of its members to develop and
propose specific policies for Commission consideration.
Packet Pg. 42
12.a
• Each appointed policy committee may work outside of a regular public
meeting but must report back to the full Commission on activities and
proposals.
• Each committee may work on the policies or policy topics that have been
assigned to it —and shouldal not work on any policies or topics that have not
been assigned to it.
• Each committee shall do its best to -involve Commission members who have
volunteered and been appointed to that committee and shall not involve
other Commission members (except as part of the Commission's public
meeting).
• Generally, each committee should be comprised of no more than three or -to
fivefou-r Commission members, recognizing that it is difficult to arrange
discussion and schedule meetings for more members than that.
• Committees should be comprised of members from different districts. No
committee shallshould include more than one alternate Commission
member.
• Each committee must have one lead member, who is a regular Commission
member (not an alternate) and who will coordinate any committee meetings
and report back (or ask another committee member to report back) on the
committee's activities and policy proposals to the full Commission.
• Committees have the option of asking for City -staff or consultant assistance.
Policy Framework Amendments
The Policy Framework is intended to be a living document that reflects the
Commission's general expectations on policy development. It may be amended by
the Housing Commission at any time.
Next Steps
1. At the Commission's January 9 meeting:
a. Any amendments to the Policy Framework may be proposed and
voted on by the Commission.
b. The Commission will vote on the Policy Framework (with any
approved amendments).
2. At the February 13 meeting:
a. Staff will provide examples of policies or policy concepts that the
Commission may want to consider for further refinement.
b. The Commission will prioritize policy topics and concepts for which
more specific policy language will be developed.
c. Committees may be formed to develop or refine policies that are
included in the first set of priority topics.
d. individual Comm' 'nr� m�yyl b orc 4ay 11c� 1.1 rtn or A X ri
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policies for- specific topics
e.d.Commissioners may request staff to bring back policy options for
some topics.
Packet Pg. 43
12.a
3. At the March 13 or April 9 meeting:
a. The Commission will begin considering its first set of specific policies.
b. The Commission will agree on the second set of topics for which
specific policies will be developed for full Commission consideration
at a subsequent meeting.
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