Equity impacts
Intentional programs and policies are necessary to ensure that EJ communities can benefit from increased economic activity and workforce development tied to expanded housing. Longterm affordability in new and existing housing, wrap-around services, and household costs should be considered. EJ communities need to have input into where affordable housing will be built, what resources will be necessary and accessible, and making sure that housing isn’t the only thing making these neighborhoods “accessible,”—all while not unduly delaying housing development. Housing projects should be thoughtfully and intentionally placed. EJ communities are most vulnerable to displacement and impact in the aftermath of natural disasters.
Recommendations
- Support MBEs (minority business enterprises) to mitigate negative impacts of housing expansion.
- Support/increase training and development of constructionrelated workforce, specifically targeting EJ communities.
- Prioritize measures to keep rent affordable in new housing to mitigate displacement and follow RHNA implementation.
- Tools like rent control are effective methods in combating displacement from gentrification, and more may be possible to expand protection to other buildings.
- Long-term affordability considerations are needed. New affordable housing should also look to include wrap-around services, whenever possible.
- Engage in similar community engagement with other actions as with 1-1, especially with unhoused individuals.
- Define how the impact on increasing capacity and knowledge is being measured and maintained.
- Continue to co-develop and distribute workshop content within EJ communities.
- Consider place-based cultural needs when creating new affordable housing projects, such as access to multilingual schooling, multiethnic grocers, and culturally significant activities and arts.
- Engagement and outreach should help make new housing known and accessible to the most vulnerable groups.
- Consider prioritizing new affordable housing developments close to green spaces, or seek to add new green spaces in EJ communities. Use best practices to increase community resilience and ensure amenities support EJ communities.
Partly reflected in the final plan. HL-1-4 commits 25% of permanently affordable housing to well-resourced neighborhoods; HL-3 carries tenant services.