2.1.
CC Work Session
- Meeting Date:
- 03/26/2013
- By:
- Kathy Schmitz, Administrative Services
Title:
Consider Work Plan to Finalize Housing Assistance Policy
Background:
In 2012, the City Council directed Staff to begin drafting a Housing Assistance Policy. As the City continues to receive requests for assistance related to housing developments, a policy would benefit in reviewing whether these projects meet the goals and implementation strategies of the City. The policy does not create new funding for housing programs, but establishes a policy for reviewing housing assistance requests. The policy would be used to review projects that request assistance such as:
1. Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
2. Grant Funding such as Metropolitan Council, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
3. Utilization of the Anoka County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (ACHRA)
Staff had anticipated bringing this topic first to Work Session. However, due to pending applications and availability of Work Session times, Staff is forwarding this topic to this agenda to discuss a workplan for completing the policy, but not specific feedback on the framework or weighting of individual factors. As the process unfolds, Staff will need some time to properly balance scoring and test projects for feasibility of the Policy. The current draft, which is the framework for the policy, intentionally leaves out actual scores. As the City begins to place weight to individual metrics, it assumed at this time that each scoring category and each housing type carry an equal weight. The next step in the process will determine if any of these categories or housing types are desired to carry priority.
1. Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
2. Grant Funding such as Metropolitan Council, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
3. Utilization of the Anoka County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (ACHRA)
Staff had anticipated bringing this topic first to Work Session. However, due to pending applications and availability of Work Session times, Staff is forwarding this topic to this agenda to discuss a workplan for completing the policy, but not specific feedback on the framework or weighting of individual factors. As the process unfolds, Staff will need some time to properly balance scoring and test projects for feasibility of the Policy. The current draft, which is the framework for the policy, intentionally leaves out actual scores. As the City begins to place weight to individual metrics, it assumed at this time that each scoring category and each housing type carry an equal weight. The next step in the process will determine if any of these categories or housing types are desired to carry priority.
Notification:
No notification required.
Observations/Alternatives:
Staff recommends that the City Council forward the framework to the Planning Commission and Economic Development Authority for review and recommendation. In addition, the City Council could form a three (3) person ad hoc sub-committee comprised of one (1) member each from the City Council, Planning Commission, and Economic Development Authority. The current need to complete the draft are policy level questions that Staff needs feedback from the City Council or advisory board. The review sub-committee could provide an effective format to receive the feedback necessary to complete the draft. Furthermore, it is recommended that this policy be reviewed by area housing developers for feedback as to the market viability of the policy. In addition, Staff anticipates reviewing with other housing professionals, such as Staff at Anoka County Community Development that have experience administering housing programs.
At this stage, the intent of the discussion is intended to answer IF this is the proper framework for moving forward. The policy is organized into two (2) categories:
1. Minimum Thresholds (all projects must meet this criteria)
2. Ranking Thresholds (ranking multiple proposals; gaging quality of projects)
Minimum Thresholds
In terms of minimum thresholds, this category provides a baseline review that all Applications must successfully meet. The minimum thresholds are directly tied to the City's Housing Action Plan, which is part of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Within the plan, there are multiple goals and several implementation strategies. It is intended that the Applicant must describe how the project will successfully achieve one of the existing implementation strategies adopted by the City Council.
Staff understands that this is an iterative process, and housing policy may have changed since the original development of this plan. In addition, market conditions have changed since the plan was adopted and the City has seen a number of projects move forward that may change the original assumptions that went into the plan. This exercise in developing the Assistance Policy will help formulate necessary amendments to the current Comprehensive Plan as the City looks to update this plan in the coming years.
Ranking Thresholds
Through a combination of existing policies, past approvals, and review of similar policies (from neighboring communities), Staff also prepared a short list of quantitative scoring metrics in an attempt to provide for an objective review. In addition, this provides applicants direction as to whether they feel the goals of their project meet the goals of the City. It is important to note that the current scores listed on the matrix are an initial attempt to illustrate how the City could develop a scoring system. The current assumption is that each category carries equal weight. The remaining process, if approved by City Council, will begin to assign scores and weights to individual categories and metrics.
General Policy Provisions
In addition to the recommended two-step process identified above, Staff has also drafted Priority Project Categories and Eligible Activities. The Priority Project Categories establish priority types of projects, such as new construction, redevelopment, and rehabilitation. The list can also be expanded to include affordable housing, move-up housing, and executive housing. These Priority Categories are intended to be able to be re-prioritized over time to meet the City's housing goals. For example, if the City receives a larger number of requests for a certain type of housing, while another type remains under-represented, the Priority Categories can be amended to shift focus on the under-represented type to better meet successful achievement of housing goals and market conditions.
Finally, the policy as it stands today deals specifically with policy, but has not developed a documented process or procedures for review and approval. That process will be included in the final draft.
At this stage, the intent of the discussion is intended to answer IF this is the proper framework for moving forward. The policy is organized into two (2) categories:
1. Minimum Thresholds (all projects must meet this criteria)
2. Ranking Thresholds (ranking multiple proposals; gaging quality of projects)
Minimum Thresholds
In terms of minimum thresholds, this category provides a baseline review that all Applications must successfully meet. The minimum thresholds are directly tied to the City's Housing Action Plan, which is part of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Within the plan, there are multiple goals and several implementation strategies. It is intended that the Applicant must describe how the project will successfully achieve one of the existing implementation strategies adopted by the City Council.
Staff understands that this is an iterative process, and housing policy may have changed since the original development of this plan. In addition, market conditions have changed since the plan was adopted and the City has seen a number of projects move forward that may change the original assumptions that went into the plan. This exercise in developing the Assistance Policy will help formulate necessary amendments to the current Comprehensive Plan as the City looks to update this plan in the coming years.
Ranking Thresholds
Through a combination of existing policies, past approvals, and review of similar policies (from neighboring communities), Staff also prepared a short list of quantitative scoring metrics in an attempt to provide for an objective review. In addition, this provides applicants direction as to whether they feel the goals of their project meet the goals of the City. It is important to note that the current scores listed on the matrix are an initial attempt to illustrate how the City could develop a scoring system. The current assumption is that each category carries equal weight. The remaining process, if approved by City Council, will begin to assign scores and weights to individual categories and metrics.
General Policy Provisions
In addition to the recommended two-step process identified above, Staff has also drafted Priority Project Categories and Eligible Activities. The Priority Project Categories establish priority types of projects, such as new construction, redevelopment, and rehabilitation. The list can also be expanded to include affordable housing, move-up housing, and executive housing. These Priority Categories are intended to be able to be re-prioritized over time to meet the City's housing goals. For example, if the City receives a larger number of requests for a certain type of housing, while another type remains under-represented, the Priority Categories can be amended to shift focus on the under-represented type to better meet successful achievement of housing goals and market conditions.
Finally, the policy as it stands today deals specifically with policy, but has not developed a documented process or procedures for review and approval. That process will be included in the final draft.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council forward the framework of the Housing Assistance Policy to the Planning Commission and Economic Development Authority for review and recommendation. Furthermore, Staff recommends establishing an ad hoc sub-committee consisting of one (1) City Council Member, one (1) Planning Commissioner, and one (1) Economic Development Authority member.
Funding Source:
There is no additional funding required in establishing the Housing Assistance Policy. Development of the policy is being handled with existing budgeted dollars for personnel and professional services.
Council Action:
Motion to forward the Housing Assistance Policy framework to the Planning Commission and Economic Development Authority as well as establish an ad hoc review sub-committee consisting of one (1) City Council Member, one (1) Planning Commissioner, and one (1) Economic Development Authority Member.
Attachments
Form Review
| Inbox | Reviewed By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Kurt Ulrich | Kathy Schmitz | 03/21/2013 04:29 PM |
- Form Started By:
- Kathy Schmitz
- Started On:
- 03/21/2013 04:21 PM
- Final Approval Date:
- 03/21/2013