Housing & Community Development Committee
Supporting Workforce Housing: Building Stronger Communities through a Housing and Community Development Committee
I understand that some in our community are hesitant about building workforce housing and concerned about potential impacts on property values, traffic, and the overall character of our neighborhoods. However, I propose that a Housing and Community Development Committee is the ideal solution to address these concerns while promoting the benefits of workforce housing. Let me explain why this is a critical step for our community's future and share the draft proposal I have submitted to the Selectboard for consideration at our next meeting on May 7th.
Download the draft proposal here.
1. Workforce Housing Supports Essential Workers
Workforce housing is designed to meet the needs of those in essential roles, such as teachers, nurses, firefighters, and police officers. By providing affordable housing options, we ensure that these dedicated professionals can live in the communities they serve. Without workforce housing, these vital workers are often forced to commute long distances, adding stress to their lives and reducing their time to engage in our community.
2. A Housing and Community Development Committee Ensures Thoughtful Planning
One of the most common objections to workforce housing is the fear that it will be built without considering our town's unique characteristics. A dedicated Housing and Community Development Committee can mitigate this concern by guiding the planning process. This committee would include representatives from different segments of our community, ensuring that all voices are heard. They would work with community planners, architects, and local stakeholders to create a blueprint that aligns with our community's values and aesthetics.
3. Workforce Housing Contributes to Economic Stability
People who can afford to live near their workplaces tend to spend more within the local economy. They frequent local businesses, support local services, and generally contribute to the vibrancy of our town. Workforce housing helps retain talent, which is crucial for sustaining our schools, healthcare facilities, and emergency services.
4. Addressing Concerns About Property Values and Traffic
The fear that workforce housing will negatively impact property values or increase traffic is understandable. However, studies have shown that well-planned workforce housing can stabilize or even increase property values by creating more stable and diverse communities. By working through a Housing and Community Development Committee, we can address traffic concerns by planning efficient public transportation and considering infrastructure needs in advance.
5. Creating a More Inclusive Community
Workforce housing promotes diversity and inclusion, bringing people from various backgrounds into our neighborhoods. This diversity enriches our culture, fosters understanding, and creates a more robust social fabric. By embracing workforce housing, we take a significant step toward building a community where everyone feels welcome and valued.
6. Environmental Benefits
By providing housing options closer to workplaces, we reduce commuting distances, which lowers carbon emissions and decreases the burden on our transportation infrastructure. This aligns with our community's sustainability goals and commitment to environmental stewardship.
Creating a Housing and Community Development Committee to support workforce housing is a proactive step toward addressing potential objections while reaping its numerous benefits. Let's work together to ensure our community is inclusive, economically stable, and environmentally sustainable. Your support for this initiative is crucial, and I encourage everyone to review my draft proposal here, join the conversation at the next Selectboard meeting (May 7th at 7:00 pm), and reach out to me directly with any questions or concerns.
Let's build a brighter future for everyone in our community.
Jonathan West
Manchester Selectboard
