August 15, 2023 City Council Meeting

TL;DR

The City Council received the Edmond Housing Assessment Plan, which highlighted significant housing affordability issues, a lack of diverse housing options, and challenges for the local workforce. The presentation detailed findings and proposed strategies to address these needs, including zoning code updates and forming a housing task force. Public comments revealed mixed reactions, with some supporting the need for diverse housing and others expressing concerns about property values, government intervention, and infrastructure impacts.

Key Decisions & Votes

Edmond Housing Assessment Plan

07:30

The City Council formally received the Edmond Housing Assessment Plan, completing the terms of the contract for its creation. This action signifies acceptance of the document for review and discussion, not immediate adoption or implementation of its recommendations.

Received

Financial Matters

Edmond Board of Realtors Donation

A donation was accepted from the Edmond Board of Realtors to partner on the housing assessment plan and an education campaign.

Housing Fund Establishment

One of the five priority efforts identified in the housing assessment is to establish a housing fund.

Federal Funding for Community Development

The city continues to utilize federal funding through its community development grant program for home buying assistance, rehabilitation, and ADA accessibility.

Public Comments

13 citizens spoke

Public comments were diverse, with some residents, young professionals, and developers advocating for increased housing diversity and affordability to support the local workforce and future growth. Others expressed strong concerns about potential negative impacts on property values, existing single-family neighborhoods, infrastructure (schools, roads), and government overreach in the housing market. There was a call for more local control and transparent communication.

Housing affordability and attainability Impact on property values and existing residents' investments Need for diverse housing types (single-family, duplexes, apartments) Workforce housing challenges and commuting issues Government intervention vs. free market principles Location and consistency of new development with existing neighborhoods Impact on schools and infrastructure Generational differences in housing access and expectations Community engagement and transparency

Coming Up

Watch For

New zoning code update (expected next year as part of a two-year process)
Formation of a housing task force/committee
Establishment of a housing fund
Creation of an education campaign on housing needs

Announcements

A donation from the Edmond Board of Realtors was accepted to partner with the city on the housing assessment plan and an education campaign.

Agenda Summary

Consideration and Management of Receipt of the Edmond Housing Assessment Plan

Presentation of the commissioned Housing Assessment Plan by the Housing and Community Development Manager, detailing housing needs, market trends, and proposed strategies to address affordability and diversity in housing stock. The plan was developed over 8-9 months with stakeholder input and surveys.