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Secure partnerships
Affordable housing development must by its very nature be a cooperative process
in which developers, local governments, regulatory agencies, architects, planners,
businesses and residents work together on everything from formulating a vision
to gaining the necessary approvals. To get these projects off the drawing table,
builders must actively pursue partnerships with numerous stakeholders, including
the city, county, state, water district, school district, and environmental
agency.
Promote benefits
It’s important to create awareness of the benefits these projects can bring to
communities. Gaining support may require educating the public, private business and
government about the positive impacts on community building, planning, design and
architecture.
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Design
Affordable housing requires careful attention to design. The community should offer
beauty, quality construction and safety, with designs that are attractive to the market.
Affordable housing should blend with the surrounding neighborhoods, since compatibility
is always important with redevelopment projects.
While some re-zoning may be required, when projects are integrated with the city’s
current land use plan and accommodate residents’ needs, they are more likely to be
perceived as a good thing.
By Hunter Johnson
President and CEO, LINC Housing
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