Item 41 at Work Session
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2025 10:39 am
Colleagues,
I wanted to post briefly about item 41, CM Duchen’s resolution about Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing. I appreciate CM Duchen for bringing the resolution. I pulled the item for Work Session so we can have a discussion on a few points ahead of the council meeting on Thursday.
CM Duchen has talked about a program, the Dallas Housing Opportunity Fund, that Assistant City Manager Eric Johnson worked on while he was in Dallas. I would like to give Dr Johnson time during the work session to talk about the work he did in Dallas.
I also want to ensure that what we are trying to preserve is good quality housing and I may offer amendment language on this point.
Some older apartments were built to last and are still in good shape. With proper care and maintenance many of those units could continue to provide good housing for decades to come. Some are in poor shape now, but are structurally sound and could have their life extended with significant renovations.
Other old apartment buildings were built cheaply and are now at the end of their useful life. Many have major structural issues that can’t be fixed. Some have negligent landlords that have not done proper maintenance for years. I have seen too many examples in District 4 of tenants being forced to live in unsafe, unhealthy and undignified conditions.
As we talk about preserving older apartments, I want to ensure that we are mindful of the natural life cycles and quality of the housing that is provided.
Chito
I wanted to post briefly about item 41, CM Duchen’s resolution about Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing. I appreciate CM Duchen for bringing the resolution. I pulled the item for Work Session so we can have a discussion on a few points ahead of the council meeting on Thursday.
CM Duchen has talked about a program, the Dallas Housing Opportunity Fund, that Assistant City Manager Eric Johnson worked on while he was in Dallas. I would like to give Dr Johnson time during the work session to talk about the work he did in Dallas.
I also want to ensure that what we are trying to preserve is good quality housing and I may offer amendment language on this point.
Some older apartments were built to last and are still in good shape. With proper care and maintenance many of those units could continue to provide good housing for decades to come. Some are in poor shape now, but are structurally sound and could have their life extended with significant renovations.
Other old apartment buildings were built cheaply and are now at the end of their useful life. Many have major structural issues that can’t be fixed. Some have negligent landlords that have not done proper maintenance for years. I have seen too many examples in District 4 of tenants being forced to live in unsafe, unhealthy and undignified conditions.
As we talk about preserving older apartments, I want to ensure that we are mindful of the natural life cycles and quality of the housing that is provided.
Chito