The purpose of this article is to communicate the importance of the draft Equitable Housing Strategic Plan and where action is needed to address equity gaps, before it goes to Wilsonville’s Planning Commission and City Council.
After or before reading this, be sure to check out part 1 to understand what is in the plan.
Alright, let’s jump in!
DIDN’T YOU SAY THERE WERE LARGE EQUITY GAPS IN WILSONVILLE!?!? WHAT IS MISSING?
Click the image for a one page PDF that explains the plan and equity gaps.
Based on my analysis and interviews, I support about 80% of the Equitable Housing Strategic Plan. An 80% approval rating would be welcomed by any government official, just ask Mayor Knapp and President Trump.
Again, 2 points for mentioning each of their names in one sentence.
What the plan needs is to clarify equity. By getting specific about the people we are trying to help overcome historic and systemic injustice, we can better direct our city resources and actions to save lives.
Here’s how I think we need to define equity and prioritize action:
People of color, and their need for affordable, multi-room homes to support multi-generational housing.
Wilsonville’s Latinx population doubled to 11% and is growing. The cost of our multifamily housing is the higher end of the market, and cheaper homes do not have enough bedrooms to support multi-generation housing, which is common in immigrant and minority communities.
Single-parent households, and their need for affordable housing that is connected to jobs, transit, and services.
It is entirely understandable that trying to balance work and raising children is a major physical and economic stress. Single-parent households have the largest need for subsidized housing of any other household type. If we can lessen their burden for safe and affordable housing, we make a stronger Wilsonville.
Low or fixed-income individuals and families, and their need for homeownership.
Combine the fact that only 9% of Wilsonville is middle income, with housing prices rising 40% in the last four years, and homeownership is a fleeting dream for many residents. Because homeownership is central to American culture, the complex system of federal tax subsidies to private market lending, makes it the key to wealth building in America. Not surprisingly, family wealth in America has a historic and systemic 12:1 wealth gap between white and black families.
People in need of emergency, transitional, or supportive housing.
Major needs in Wilsonville exist for people who are looking for shelter immediately, occasional support when they miss a paycheck or receive an unexpected bill, or long-term because of a physical or mental disability. Currently, there are 44 students in the school district experiencing homelessness and only 8 beds to serve people experiencing homelessness in all of Clackamas County.
How are you feeling?
Possibly, uncomfortable, because calling out these groups means that not everyone is mentioned. This is understandable, but let us sit with the regrettable fact that we are a divided society. By focusing our system on those hardest to reach, all will benefit. Remember that equity is about providing the support people need to succeed, not giving everyone the same thing.
Possibly, uncomfortable, because this sounds like a plan to support a high-tax, big government Democratic party. This is not the case! Solving structural inequality will require more and less government. It places people, not a political party at the center of the focus.
Possibly, ready to act! As COVID-19 is reminding us, systemic injustice is a matter of life and death for people of color and historically marginalized groups. We are most resilient by developing systems that help those most in need.
What happens next?
Starting in May, the proposed Equitable Housing Strategic Plan will head to public hearings at the Planning Commission and City Council. You can sign up for email updates or track their agenda on the city website.
In my ideal world, you talk about and share this article with friends, contact me with your thoughts (agree or disagree), then contact planning commission and city council in support.
Click on ACTION for a draft email to City Council and Planning Commission!
