Review and Recommend a Response to the Metropolitan Council Regional Housing Policy Plan 2015 Amendment

The purpose of this case is to review a draft response to the Metropolitan Council Housing Policy Plan.

Notification is not required.

As the Planning Commission is aware, the Metropolitan Council is in the process of updating Regional System Plans (Water Resources, Transportation, Parks, Housing). The Metropolitan Council has released the Housing Policy Plan for public comment. Attached to this case is a draft response to the Metropolitan Council for the Planning Commission's consideration.

The Housing Policy Plan is an important policy document as it relates to Ramsey's goals and initiatives. This policy document will serve as the policy document for many of the housing resources available to our residents and our community. Most notably, this is an important document that frames the Livable Communities Program, a voluntary program that Ramsey participates in that provides valuable financial resources to assist Ramsey in achieving its land use goals. This program has been used to partially fund projects such as The Draw, Sunwood Drive, and the Municipal Parking Ramp.

In September, 2014, the City responded to the original update to the Housing Policy Plan. It was noted that there would be a subsequent amendment to this plan to complete the incomplete sections of the document. Said amendment is now available for public comment. Many of Ramsey's comments have been incorporated into the amendment document. Generally speaking, Staff is not opposed to the amendment; However, the Commission should take note of Exhibit 6 of the document which defines Ramsey's affordable housing allocation by defined threshold. Staff will provide additional background on what Area Median Income (AMI) means in terms of the types of housing provided. Additionally, Staff is responding to the amendment on the assumption that this plan will not require amendments to the City's current Future Land Use Map or its Housing Assistance Policy and will not require the establishment of any City financial programs to support the goals and allocation. If this is desired in the future, it should come at the desire of the local community, not a mandate of a regional plan.

The draft response is attached for review. Additionally, the September 2014 is included in our current response by reference. Minutes from the Planning Commission and City Council leading up to that response are included for reference.

This case is being handled as part of normal Staff duties.

Staff recommends authorization to send the attached response to the 2015 Amended Housing Policy Plan of the Metropolitan Council.

Motion to recommend that the City Council approve the draft response to the Housing Policy Plan.