An important excerpt from the Whatcom Housing Alliance blog laying out their manipulative tendencies to get density, reduced costs for developers, but not actually get the affordable housing they promise, but don’t want.
“A “Yes, and…” Approach to Housing Affordability
The removal of parking minimums exemplifies a “Yes, and…” approach to tackling housing affordability. Tying parking reform to affordability as a standalone solution is an “either-or” approach, but advocating for both—removing parking minimums while simultaneously implementing strategies to increase affordable housing through state and federal programs [this takes away the responsibility of the City, the tip of the spear for Affordability solutions-note from HH] to offer these programs also, —creates a dynamic “Yes, and…” framework. This strategy not only addresses supply issues by increasing the number and variety of homes but also helps stabilize housing costs, benefiting the entire community.
This nuanced approach reflects the research and recommendations of Bellingham city staff, who concluded that parking reform is an essential step to tackle the housing crisis effectively. While no single strategy can solve the complex challenges of housing affordability, combining parking reforms with investments in multimodal transportation and affordability measures ensures that solutions are inclusive and impactful. Removing parking minimums enables developers to build housing that meets the diverse needs of residents while promoting sustainable, community-focused growth.”
Translation: Lets continue to build a perfect city for the rich.
Helping Housing analysis of the above copy:
This copy is circular logic. Connecting parking reform to affordability IS the “Yes, and…” The solution offered by Whatcom Housing Alliance is the “either-or”. But because of their hidden agenda and ingenious way of writing their arguments (compliment?_ they get market rate density but those who are in need, don’t ever get the “and”.
Further Affordability is not the responsibility of the state and the feds (especially in the current Federal administration). State and Feds offer funding, and laws enabling Affordability, but if the local City or County do not enact true Affordability, it will not happen.
