Minutes 01-29-2019 Assembly of Governments

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8 Commissioner Greene said the idea of expanding the home consortium with a broader charge came out of one of the AOG meetings years ago. She said former Commissioner Bernadette Pelissier suggested tasking the Managers to come up with a structure that is somewhat similar to the Partnership to End Homelessness (PTEH). Commissioner Greene said that her suggestion was to add the non-profit partners at these meetings, but it occurred to her later that this may prove a conflict as non-profits are applying for funds. She said Roger Stancil, former Chapel Hill Town Manager, had the idea for the HOME framework, but she is not sure if this format is exactly what the original request intended. Commissioner Greene said there needs to be more of a policy priority list and some concrete ideas to come out of these discussions. She said it is not like the PTEH as the elected bodies are not really involved, but with affordable housing all entities need to agree on some priorities to give this group a more robust charge. Alderman Seils said there is also opportunity to recognize how much affordable housing policy is limited by the state legislative level. He said he would like to explore the possibilities of partnering with jurisdictions outside of Orange County, who share similar values and goals regarding affordable housing, as well as advocating together at the state level. Commissioner Price said she would like some numbers identifying the needs around the County, in the towns and otherwise. She said it is important to know the need, where people are going, and where they are able to live. She said the factual information is needed to undergird the policies. Commissioner Marcoplos said the biggest collaborative impact can be made on affordable housing by focusing on the Greene Tract. Hillsborough Town Commissioner Ferguson said they have not leveraged well the Triangle J Council of Governments (TJCOG). She said TJCOG serves as Chatham County's affordable housing expert. She said they are expanding and have the legislative ability to serve as a housing authority. She said TJCOG has a stated goal both as a legislative action as well as policy and data acquisition perspective of getting the data to which Commissioner Price referred. She said affordable housing is a regional issue, and it is wise to utilize some of these other resources. She said other counties are taking advantage and the technical staff has experience within Orange County specifically. Hillsborough Town Commissioner Weaver said having more policy clarity is needed, and at some point there may be a legislature that will give more tools, and if a clear voice on can be put forward on this, all can be prepared when more tools are made available. Councilmember Buansi said Orange County and Chapel Hill staffs have been meeting periodically regarding relocation strategies for the residents of mobile home owners. He said this is a good example of collaboration, and an update may be beneficial at some point. Commissioner Dorosin said there is good collaboration at the staff level, but not so much at the policy level. He said affordable housing is an across the lines issue and is one of the highest deficiencies that exists in Orange County. He said there should be a strategy that recognizes this deficiency, and if work is being done in one part of the County, all entities should be highlighting, promoting, and supporting it. He said a collective vision and message is important. Commissioner Greene said data and numbers can be found, and should not be a stumbling block to going forward. Alderman Slade said the Community Home Trust is the partner for all jurisdictions for affordable home ownership, and it is important not to brush aside agencies working on affordable rentals in the area. He said this is where it may be important to include the various housing providers in the discussions when creating policies, to ensure all are being supported, but also getting a handle on who is giving the best bang for the buck.