Every May, Affordable Housing Month marks a time to study and discuss housing policies that will create more vibrant and equitable communities. As Affordable Housing Month comes to a close, let’s take a look at what is being done here in Sandy Springs to promote more affordable housing.
Could a housing policy be coming to Sandy Springs?
Since March, as a state requirement, the mayor-appointed Next Ten Five-Year Update Advisory Committee has been meeting. The committee is reviewing the accomplishments and evaluating the Vision, Needs and Opportunities for each element of the original Next Ten Comp Plan, adopted in Feb. 2017.
On May 12, the Next Ten Advisory Committee met to discuss the feedback gathered from online surveys, in-person interviews and previous advisory committee meetings. Committee members also reviewed and discussed proposed work plans for the four elements of the Next Ten Comp Plan.
These work plans will be presented at Sandy Springs City Hall during the Next Ten Draft Comprehensive Plan 5-Year Update Public Meeting on June 9 at 6:30 p.m. Parking for the event is available in the City Springs parking deck. If you are unable to attend this meeting, be sure to check out the Next 10 website for more information on how to review and comment on the draft recommendations.
During the meeting, community members will be able to review and comment on draft recommendations for:
- Economic Development
- Green Space, Natural Systems and Sustainability
- Housing
- Land Use and Community Character
Among the items being recommended is the creation of a city housing policy.
A city housing policy would determine the approach our city takes to meet its housing objectives. Housing policies help coordinate the actions of all other city government agencies that directly impact housing. From zoning and development codes, to economic development and planning, strong housing policies support the use of federal, state and local financial resources, as well as resources from the private and philanthropic sectors.
Creating a housing policy would give our city a clear path toward creating more affordable housing for all income levels. It will also give our employers confidence in knowing that we are working to address their challenges of employee retention and recruitment due to a lack of affordable housing in Sandy Springs.
A housing policy that leads to more affordable housing can also help address the declining public school enrollment by providing our neighbors a path to homeownership in Sandy Springs as their families grow. AND…a housing policy CAN address the “downsizing” need for seniors and starter homes for first time homebuyers.
All of this can be possible if our city council approves the recommendations of the Next Ten Five-Year Update Advisory committee. You have a chance to voice your support for this on June 9 at the public meeting.
