Title
JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES OF SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON BOARD
COUNCIL STRATEGIC INITIATIVE ADDRESSED:
Preserve and enhance neighborhoods
Address quality of place issues
Strengthen economic conditions and create new opportunities
CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: N/A
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
On December 21 the city council asked that this joint meeting be scheduled in order to discuss concerns and appropriate actions that will best address housing concerns that include a housing shortage in Longview; a lack of affordable housing; a historically-tight housing market; homelessness and the risk of homelessness; the role that new and rehabilitated healthy living spaces can play in increasing the quality of life for Longview residents, fostering greater economic growth and vitality, and revitalizing neighborhoods; the need for collaborative leadership between these two groups; an inability for HOSWWA to secure funds for housing projects and other day-to-day functions; and allegations against HOSWWA board members.
A joint meeting of the two groups was requested “in the spirit of collaboration and effective government . . . to address the issues and find a way to come to a solution to move forward to continue creating housing opportunities, because any new housing opportunities that are created are a win for Longview and our region.”
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Discuss concerns and potential actions regarding the above issues.
STAFF CONTACT:
Steve Moon, City Councilor
Dave Campbell, City Manager