The struggle to provide an adequate supply of affordable housing is deeply interwined with the larger struggle to reduce inequality. I will work with my colleagues towards the goal of delivering meaningful housing reforms in the coming session.
Housing
Subject: Affordable housing: Why aren’t we discussing it here?
None of the categories in this blog pertain directly to housing. Given the skyrocketing rents, prices and valuations for homes in this district, why is this not a regular topic of discussion?
Alexis Ivy
On July 24, Alexis Ivy read her poetry of homelessness and addiction in the statehouse. Worth listening.
Short Term Rentals Conference Committee Report
The House and Senate have reached an agreement to regulate and tax short term rentals, like AirBnB.
RECAP: Community Discussion on Birmingham Pkwy Possibilities
Attendees weighed-in on possible directions, including the potential for development of affordable housing, improvement of roadways and infrastructure, and preservation of open space
Zoning Reform — how it went in the Senate
The final vote was relatively close for a major bill with leadership support. But the volume and significance of the changes that the Senate made on the floor — and the close vote — make clear that a House-Senate consensus will not be reached before formal sessions end on July 31. I was pleased to speak for and vote for the bill. Here are some of my takeaways.