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The purpose of this article is to help you understand the importance of the draft Equitable Housing Strategic Plan, and where action is needed to address equity gaps, before it goes to Wilsonville’s Planning Commission and City Council.
Click here to jump to part 2 if you want to read about equity gaps.
Please read the Wilsonville Alliance for Inclusive Community statement on COVID-19 for important thoughts and resources at this crucial time.
Also, contact me if you would like to help with the following topics:
Equitable Housing Strategic Plan Explained
Equitable Housing Questions/Concerns and Responses
Homelessness in Wilsonville
Latino/a Community Housing Assets and Needs
On March 2, 2020, City Council held their first work session since October 21 (read recap) to discuss actions on the Equitable Housing Strategic Plan (starts on page 42 of 174). Work sessions are important because they are where options are determined for the public hearings and vote.
My main takeaway from this work session Council is still searching for what equity needs they want to address and will take their time to finalize the Equitable Housing Strategic Plan.
What is the Wilsonville doing to achieve an equitable housing future?
To address Wilsonville’s greatest civil rights issue, drastically rising housing prices, Wilsonville City Council is nearing the completion of an Equitable Housing Strategic Plan. The third and final meeting of the Equitable Housing Task Force, comprised of technical experts and community members, met on January 29.
This is an important time because the City of Wilsonville will be taking a stronger role – necessary in my opinion – to address housing needs. The measures to monitor progress are a crucial element in disrupting structural racism that is inherent in the current system.
Housing cost is regionally driven. Therefore, to achieve a future where safe, affordable housing is located close to quality jobs, schools, and parks, all communities must provide their fair share.
Directed by HB 2003, the Department of Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) will be developing a Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) for each of Oregon’s cities (241 to be exact) and the Portland Metro.
This is important because measuring need and setting targets are essential to (1) changing the massive structures that guide housing in Oregon, and (2) getting communities to provide their share of affordable housing.
