2. MetroCOG workforce housing study

construction instead of the cUrrent 16", and to allow manufactured housing on empty city lots. Also suggested was to emphasize the purchase of cheaper materials similar to Habitat for Humanity. Some comments focused on older neighborhoods such as restoring sub-divided older homes to single-family dwellings for large families, emphasizing fixing up older homes in "old town" areas and building on empty lots. Fargo's Renaissance Project has been positive. Education. Communication and Dialogue As stated earlier, discussion focused in two areas. First is the suggestion to continue open communication among government, buyers and developers. The annual forum should be taken seriously to keep community leaders accountable and this issue moving forward. The second is the creation of a regional housing center to address the issues identified earlier: increase homebuyer opportunities, address expectations and perceptions of home buyers, provide homebuyer education on credit issues. Community Acceptance of Workforce Housing. Education and innovation were cited as key components in increasing community acceptance. A social norms campaign was suggested, (e.g. "Workforce housing isn't about Them, it's about Us.") as a way to accomplish "myth-busting". Other suggestions were: a parade of homes, mixed-use housing developments; and pre-planning developments with mixed housing types and prices so people know in advance what will be built. The Resources strategic initiative did not generate discussion. Two suggestions were a demonstration community land trust and taking a portion of taxes to create a fund to keep homes from going into foreclosure. * * * * * The Housing Forum was well received. Numerous written comments were submitted such as: "Great start! Would love to see these discussion and observations put into practical solutions." "Keep this moment going. Excellent." 45 Linda S, 1)()r1ncilj. i\.I.c.P. i\ ugllst 2006