Housing Levy

From J. Peter Shapiro:

Dear colleagues,

Sarajane and I urge you to send emails to these four councilmembers advocating allocation of the proposed Housing Levy funds as outlined below, consistent with our Resolution. These elements of a proposed Levy ordinance are now being debated.

Timing: emails by early next week (the next hearing is scheduled for June 11, with adoption of an ordinance later this month)

To: Drago, Conlin, Harrell, and Burgess

Use of levy funds:

* at least 55% of the funds should be used to create housing for people earning less than 30% of area median income (AMI)

* no more than 10% of the levy funds should go for housing people in the "top" bracket, i.e., people earning 60-80% of AMI

Thus, a minimum should be set to help the most needy, and a much smaller amount established as a ceiling for those in the highest eligible income bracket. Our Resolution advocated that "the levy predominantly shall be to provide low-income housing for homeless and working individuals and families".

Thanks,
Peter