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On March 2, 2020, City Council held their first work session since October 21 (read recap) to discuss actions on the Equitable Housing Strategic Plan (starts on page 42 of 174). Work sessions are important because they are where options are determined for the public hearings and vote.
My main takeaway from this work session Council is still searching for what equity needs they want to address and will take their time to finalize the Equitable Housing Strategic Plan.
What is the Wilsonville doing to achieve an equitable housing future?
To address Wilsonville’s greatest civil rights issue, drastically rising housing prices, Wilsonville City Council is nearing the completion of an Equitable Housing Strategic Plan. The third and final meeting of the Equitable Housing Task Force, comprised of technical experts and community members, met on January 29.
This is an important time because the City of Wilsonville will be taking a stronger role – necessary in my opinion – to address housing needs. The measures to monitor progress are a crucial element in disrupting structural racism that is inherent in the current system.
Housing cost is regionally driven. Therefore, to achieve a future where safe, affordable housing is located close to quality jobs, schools, and parks, all communities must provide their fair share.
Directed by HB 2003, the Department of Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) will be developing a Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) for each of Oregon’s cities (241 to be exact) and the Portland Metro.
This is important because measuring need and setting targets are essential to (1) changing the massive structures that guide housing in Oregon, and (2) getting communities to provide their share of affordable housing.
TODAY’S ARTICLE WILL EXAMINE THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH AND RACIAL EQUITY BY HIGHLIGHTING EXCELLENT RESEARCH BY DR. DAVE KRESTA, CAN CHURCHES CHANGE A NEIGHBORHOOD?, AS WELL AS MY INITIAL IMPRESSIONS OF WILSONVILLE’S FAITH COMMUNITY IN ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE.
As a follower of Jesus, I believe the church – as an intuition, which I define as different from ekklesia - plays an essential role and should be at the political forefront in addressing individual and systemic brokenness of racism.
My hope is that by highlighting Dr. Kresta’s recommended actions for the church we can spur a discussion in Wilsonville that will lead to greater action and coordination.
From the discussion at City Council and the online feedback I received from the previous article, both asked for equity measures to define the problem and success.
Today’s article builds upon my coverage of public meetings (one, two, and three), to examine the assumptions and biases behind the Equitable Housing Strategic Plan, define the equity gaps, and recommend equity-based actions or measurements.
