It starts with affordable housing.
Let’s get real. Maryville has a long history of redlining and segregation, which has created incredible gaps in the access people of color have to affordable housing options and homeownership. How we invest in our neighborhoods determines the desirability of the housing stock and how we regulate our housing markets can shape who stays in the city and who leaves.
As a first step, I will push to offer incentives (density bonuses, expedited approval, and fee waivers) to developers who integrate market-rate rental units and homes with affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families. Affordable Housing applications should be standardized and transparent with oversight from a diverse commission appointed by council.
Increase access to Affordable Housing for people of color. Work with community-based organizations that have direct and frequent contact with specific cultural communities to solicit housing applications from people of color and other historically marginalized groups. Use advertising messages that explicitly convey that culturally specific and historically marginalized communities are encouraged to apply, and include information about opportunities and amenities in the neighborhood.
What is Affordable Housing?
Affordable housing is generally defined as housing for which an occupant pays no more than 30% of his or her income for gross housing expenses such as rent and utilities.
Maryville Community Reinvestment Coalition
Community banks' racially discriminatory patterns are well-documented when it comes to locating branches and making loans. Let’s get commitments from our community banks to provide investment, lending, and financial services to people of color that expands access to affordable housing, small business ownership, good jobs, and other resources that build household and community wealth. This coalition will include a pledge and benchmarks. If your bank doesn’t join the coalition, maybe it’s time to find a new bank.
