Boise’s new Housing Data Portal shows critical need for affordable housing
Boise's new Housing Data Portal shows critical need for affordable housing KTVB.com
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City of Boise Launches Housing Data Portal to Address Affordable Housing Crisis
Similar to the rest of the country, Idaho just doesn’t have enough affordable housing. The City of Boise, like many communities, is working to help that.
Introducing the Housing Data Portal
The City of Boise’s new website featuring the Housing Data Portal is part of an effort to help Boiseans find housing suitable to their needs. The portal provides an abundance of information on affordable housing within Boise city limits.
Comprehensive Data for Ending the Housing Crisis
The Housing Data Portal aims to ensure that everyone working to end the housing crisis has access to the same comprehensive data. The portal allows users to view information on what’s needed, what’s being built, where it’s being built, and what incentives are being used, among other details.
The Challenge of Affordable Housing
Kyle Patterson, the City of Boise’s Director of Innovation and Performance, spearheaded the creation of the Housing Data Portal. He emphasizes the need for affordable housing in Boise and across America. According to a recent Housing Needs Survey, Boise needs 2,772 new homes each year to keep up with demand and maintain reasonable prices. Of those homes, over 2,000 need to be affordable.
- 861 homes need to be affordable for individuals making between 30% and 60% of the area median income (AMI).
- 821 homes need to be affordable for individuals making less than 30% of the AMI.
However, finding affordable housing within these income ranges is extremely challenging. For example, an affordable rent for a three-person household at 30% of the area median income is $600 or less per month. Currently, there is a scarcity of such affordable options in Boise.
Partnerships and Incentives for Affordable Housing
Nicki Hellenkamp, Boise mayor’s Housing Advisor, emphasizes the importance of partnerships in addressing the affordable housing crisis. The City of Boise is collaborating with developers and offering incentives to build more affordable housing. While progress has been made, it falls short of meeting the annual need for over 2,000 affordable units in Boise.
Currently, there are almost 1,200 affordable units in various stages of design, construction, funding, purchase, permitting, or occupancy. However, this still falls short of the city’s goals and the community’s needs.
Preserving Affordable Housing
The Housing Data Portal highlights the need to preserve existing affordable housing. According to the data, Boise needs to preserve 1,000 affordable units by 2027. However, only 49 existing affordable units have been preserved so far.
Achieving Goals through Partnerships
Kyle Patterson acknowledges that the city has set aggressive goals but is proud of the progress made. The city aims to create 1,250 affordable units, providing thousands of residents with access to affordable housing. However, more efforts are needed to meet the community’s needs.
Providing Feedback and Accessing the Housing Data Portal
The City of Boise encourages community members to explore the Housing Data Portal and provide feedback. The portal’s website offers a dedicated section for user feedback at the bottom of the site.
Visit the Housing Data Portal to access the comprehensive information on affordable housing in Boise.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
- SDG 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular, the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology, and financial services, including microfinance.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of new homes built each year to meet demand and keep prices reasonable.
- Number of affordable homes available for individuals and families at different income levels.
- Number of affordable units designed, built, funded, bought, permitted, or already built and rented out.
- Number of existing affordable units preserved.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums. | – Number of new homes built each year to meet demand and keep prices reasonable. – Number of affordable homes available for individuals and families at different income levels. |
| SDG 1: No Poverty | Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular, the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology, and financial services, including microfinance. | – Number of affordable units designed, built, funded, bought, permitted, or already built and rented out. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. | – Number of affordable homes available for individuals and families at different income levels. – Number of existing affordable units preserved. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: ktvb.com
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