Blueprint for Affordable Housing for all — including FAN
Below are six actions policymakers should implement to stop the destruction of the middle class and make homes more affordable for the FAN and others. While some of the ideas I present here may be unpopular or challenge the status quo, especially with HOAs or developers who benefit from building high-end properties., they are necessary if policymakers are serious about making housing affordable for everyone in Orange County.
Taking a teacher as an example:
- On average, a teacher in Orange County earns $55,600 per year.
- To rent a home in Orange County, an individual must earn at least $67,280 annually.
- To purchase a home at the current average price of $478,500, an individual needs to earn between $117,840 and $126,000 annually
The current trajectory is unsustainable, and without bold, balanced, and forward-thinking policies, the middle class will continue to be squeezed out of housing opportunities. The goal is to create a county where everyone, from young first-time homebuyers to long-term residents, can afford to live and thrive. I hope these suggestions can help guide us toward that vision.
- Establish Clear Incentives for Developers: Policymakers must implement policies that incentivize developers to focus on infill development in the urban service area. This could include tax breaks, density bonuses, or expedited approvals for projects that prioritize affordability and sustainable design.
- Revise Zoning and Building Regulations: Policymakers must update zoning regulations to allow for higher-density housing, multi-family living arrangements, and mixed-use developments. Barriers such as restrictions on adding outside doors or converting single-family homes into multi-family homes should be removed, making it easier for families to live together or rent out extra space. While this will help create affordable housing, it is likely to face resistance, especially from HOAs. However, policymakers must push for these changes to increase affordable housing options.
- Restrict Rural Development Incentives: Stricter guidelines must be set by policymakers to disincentivize developers from building in the rural service area and redirect efforts toward the urban core. New projects in rural areas should be required to meet higher standards, including environmental sustainability and mass transportation access.
- Prioritize Mass Transportation Integration: Policymakers must require that new developments either be connected to existing mass transportation networks or include provisions for micro-mobility infrastructure. If a development cannot meet these criteria, its viability should be reconsidered. Mass transportation should be a requirement for large-scale housing projects to reduce traffic congestion and support low-income residents.
- Establish Public-Private Partnerships: Policymakers must actively pursue partnerships with private developers and non-profit organizations to fund and build affordable housing. County-owned land, financing, or resources should be leveraged to facilitate mixed-income communities that support all classes.
- Streamline Development Approval Processes: Policymakers must implement streamlined, fast-track approval processes for developers who commit to building affordable, dense housing in urban areas. Regulatory barriers that slow down the creation of housing must be reduced to ensure that supply meets demand efficiently.