Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Meeting - September 8, 2026
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Meeting - September 8, 2026
The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee met on September 8, 2026 at 9:00 AM in the Main Library Chambers. The meeting was called to order by Chair Robin Field. Minutes from the August 11, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. The primary agenda item was the second discussion of housing incentive programs led by Connor Baird of Wade Trim. The committee reviewed each of the 16 incentive areas from the 2025 LHIS report, deciding to continue most, with some modifications. Chris Edwards, Economic Development and Housing Director, announced a new workforce employer housing program under development.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the August 11, 2026 meeting were approved by voice vote without opposition.
Discussion Items
- Incentive Area Review: The committee systematically evaluated recommendations from the 2025 report for each state-mandated (1-11) and committee-initiated (12-16) incentive area. For each, the committee voted to continue, modify, or remove the recommendation. Key modifications discussed included:
- Parking Reductions (6.2): Member Frank Cornier proposed adding language to allow reductions based on special needs populations (e.g., residents who do not drive). Committee agreed to modify the recommendation accordingly.
- ADU Owner-Occupancy (5.2): Discussion on whether to remove the owner-occupancy requirement for accessory dwelling units. No formal modification was made; the committee chose to continue the existing recommendation.
- Area 4 (Density Caps): No recommendation was continued; committee noted they do not want to cap density for affordable housing.
- North Greenwood Overlay District Update: Lauren Matsky, Planning and Development Director, provided an update. Community meetings are scheduled for September and October 2026, with public hearings anticipated in early 2027 and approval expected before summer 2027.
- AI and Permitting Tools: Matsky reported on the city's AI initiatives through Acela software for initial completeness reviews and OpenCounter for front-end customer guidance. The committee expressed support for leveraging technology to expedite permitting.
- Transportation and Infrastructure: Members discussed the need for better transit access, trail lighting, and potential subsidies for alternative transportation (e.g., e-bikes). Staff indicated existing CDBG funds can cover bus tickets for eligible residents.
Key Outcomes
- Decisions on Incentive Areas: All 16 incentive areas were either continued or modified as noted; none were removed. Staff will incorporate the agreed modifications and present updated recommendations at the next meeting.
- Workforce Employer Housing Program: Director Chris Edwards announced that the city is developing a program to partner with large employers to provide housing for their workforce, including both rental and homeownership options. Details will be brought to the committee for consideration.
- Next Meeting: The next Affordable Housing Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for October 13, 2026 at 9:00 AM in the same location.
Meeting Transcript
Good morning. Today's meeting of the neighborhood and affordable housing advisory board of Clearwater is called to order on September eighth, twenty twenty-six. Agendas of today's meeting are on the wall at the entrance to the chambers. Please remember to turn off your cell phones. To ensure a complete record of the board's actions, we ask that each individual wishing to speak clearly state your name and spell your last name for the clerk. I make a motion. Second. All in favor? Minutes are approved. Any opposed? Is there anyone here to speak on items not on today's agenda? If so, please step to the podium and state your name and spell your last name for the record. You will have three minutes to speak on a subject that is not on today's record. Today's agenda. Seeing no one come forward, Miss Call. Do we have any e-comments? We will move to the next item. Item four point one recommendation to City Council of the twenty twenty-six-free. How is that? Good morning. Today's meeting of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee is called to order on this day, September 8th, 2026. Welcome everyone. Agendas of today's meeting are at the entrance to the meeting room. Please remember to turn off your cell phones. To ensure a complete record of the committee's actions, we ask that east each individual wishing to speak clearly state your name and spell your name last name for the clerk. We ask that you limit your comments to three minutes. At this time, I would like to ask the board members to introduce themselves and state the fields you represent. I'm going to start all the way to my left. Michelle Chenault, Community Development Board. Frank Cornier, Construction and Development Industries. Clearwater Council Member Mike Manino. Sheree Sidotti Affordable Housing. Sean Austin, Citizen Representative. Sherry De Blair, Essential Services Personnel. And I'm Robin Field, and I represent the lending industry as it relates to affordable housing. This is the second of four meetings of this committee. I thought we had a great discussion at our first meeting. I know we have a lot to discuss today, so let's get right to the agenda. Our first order of business is to approve the minutes of the committee's meetings on August 11th. May I have a motion to approve item 2.1. So move. Second. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Minutes are approved. The main item on today's agenda is to continue our discussion led by Conrad Baird from Wade Trim. Mr. Baird, the floor is yours.
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