07-23-08 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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LAND USE PLAN Affordable Housing The Metropolitan Council has published a report that presents a new forecast of the affordable housing needs in the metropolitan area for the years 2011 through 2020. Communicating forecasted affordable housing need numbers is one of the first steps in helping communities determine the housing goals and objectives to be included in the housing element of their Comprehensive Plan. According to the "Determining Affordable Housing Needs in the Twin Cities 2011- 2020" Summary Report, out of the total number of housing units in Little Canada, 45 percent are affordable to low- income households. The report looks at projected growth for sewered communities within the metropolitan area of the Twin Cities, what their existing affordable housing stock is and what they are expected to need for affordable housing units between 2011 and 2020. According to the report, 155 new affordable housing units are needed in the City of Little Canada between the years 2011 and 2020. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines affordable as a household using no more than 30% of their income for housing (rent or mortgage payment). Little Canada participates in the Metro HRA programs operated as a part of the Metropolitan Council. Based on Metro HRA guidelines, for ownership, affordable is based on 80% of the area median income. In 2007, this ownership threshold is $206,800. For rental units, affordable is based on 50% of the area median income. Affordable 2007 rent for a 2- bedroom unit was $883 /month or less. The following table shows affordable housing statistics for Little Canada as well as neighboring communities for purposes of comparison. When compared to other cities in Ramsey County, Little Canada has one of the highest percentages of affordable housing units available. The neighboring cities of Maplewood, Roseville, and Vadnais Heights are all comparable to one another, with 26 -29 percent of their total housing units affordable for low- income families. AFFORDABLE HOUSING: EXISTING AND NEEDED Sewered Communities Growth Summary: Sewered Households Existing Affordable Housing Stock New Affordable Housing Units Needed 2011 -2020 2010 2020 Net Growth Little Canada 4,900 5,300 400 45% 155 Maplewood 15,600 16,500 900 26% 333 Roseville 15,500 16,000 500 26% 201 Shoreview 10,960 11,300 340 16% 107 Vadnais Heights 5,600 6,100 500 29% 170 Source: Metropolitan Council City of Little Canada — 2030 Comprehensive Plan 32