Minutes 09-09-2021 Virtual Work Session

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17 Commissioner Hamilton said she wants the County to stay focused on goals. She said there are a lot of needs, and it all takes money. She said she wants to be clear on the trade offs, the benefits, and what kinds of partnerships are available. Commissioner Hamilton said the subdivision issue needs further consideration and it seems more complicated than it needs to be. She said she does not want to lose sight of the reasons why some of these regulations were put into place, and she wants to be sure to include the public in the conversation. Commissioner Hamilton asked if the role of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee in the recommendations could be identified. Chair Price asked staff what would be helpful for moving forward. Bonnie Hammersley said it would help staff to know which options (short term, mid term, long term) the Board prefers so staff could do further research. Commissioner Greene echoed the request for more of an understanding of the role of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. Commissioner Greene said there is also the government affordable housing collaborative, and this group is set up to work collaboratively and strategically. Commissioner Richards asked if the target could be more clearly identified. She said 30% AMI (average median income) was mentioned, as well as 80% and 31-50%. She said she does not want to focus strictly on the 30%, as there are teachers and government workers who may be at 50% but still need help. Chair Price said all kinds of affordable housing have been discussed. Commissioner Richards referred to the municipal taxes for affordable housing, and asked if the County can have a similar type of tax. Bonnie Hammersley said it was not included as an option, but that is allowable. Commissioner Richards asked how much a 1-cent tax would generate. Bonnie Hammersley said 1-cent generates a little over$2 million. Commissioner Richards said it seems like the towns are working together on housing, and it would not be hard for the County to work with them. Bonnie Hammersley concurred, and said County staff is working very closely with the towns. Commissioner Fowler asked if the greatest gap in housing could be identified. She said she would like staff to give guidance on this, as the staff's presentation shows a need for housing for 30% AMI. Commissioner Hamilton said going greater than 30% AMI is fine, but the County should know what that means for the number of units and households that can be served. She said she would like to know what it looks like to go up to 60% of AMI. Corey Root said developers like to have a mix of levels in a development, which is considered best practice. She said in the past there were no units designated for 30% of AMI, but this has been changing more recently.