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GLAM Properties Strives for Quality Affordable Housing in Neighborhoods

Updated: Sep 6, 2023



GLAM Properties' GLAM Executive, Latasha Lewis, took a significant step towards achieving the company's goal of developing quality affordable housing in targeted neighborhoods. Today, she attended the Housing Trust Fund Public Meeting, which aimed to foster a better understanding of the community's perspective on improving the scorecard for funding applicants and increasing community involvement in the engagement process. The meeting focused on gathering valuable insights and ideas from participants, rather than seeking immediate solutions. Key questions were posed to attendees, including their interpretation of affordable housing, identifying gaps in the scorecard, prioritization suggestions, and how the HTF application can effectively engage the community regarding potential projects.





Enhancing the Scorecard:

One of the main objectives of the Housing Trust Fund Public Meeting was to gather community input on improving the scorecard used for evaluating funding applicants. The scorecard plays a crucial role in assessing the viability and impact of proposed projects. By soliciting feedback from stakeholders, such as Latasha Lewis and others in attendance, Housing and Community Development sought to identify any missing elements that would better reflect the community's needs and aspirations. This collaborative approach ensures that the evaluation process is comprehensive, transparent, and accountable to the goals of affordable housing.


Defining Affordable Housing:

Understanding the community's perception of affordable housing is paramount in shaping effective policies and initiatives. Participants were asked to share their personal interpretation of affordable housing, which can vary based on individual circumstances and needs. Responses may include factors such as income thresholds, accessibility to amenities and transportation, stability, and the overall affordability of housing options. By gathering diverse perspectives, Housing and Community Development can refine their definition of affordable housing to better align with the community's expectations and realities.


Prioritizing and Deprioritizing:

An essential aspect of the discussion revolved around determining what aspects of affordable housing should be prioritized and deprioritized in the scorecard evaluation. Attendees were invited to share their insights on key elements that should carry greater weight during the funding decision-making process. This input helps to ensure that critical factors, such as proximity to public services, quality construction, energy efficiency, and sustainable design, receive appropriate consideration. Additionally, suggestions for deprioritizing certain elements that may have limited impact or do not align with community needs were also welcomed.


Community Engagement in HTF Application:

The Housing Trust Fund (HTF) application process plays a vital role in engaging the community and gathering valuable input on potential projects. Attendees were encouraged to provide recommendations on how the HTF application process could effectively involve the community. This may include measures such as public hearings, community workshops, surveys, or online platforms designed to gather feedback and ensure that residents have an active role in shaping the development and implementation of affordable housing initiatives. Meaningful community engagement helps foster a sense of ownership, transparency, and inclusivity in the decision-making process.


Five-Year Housing Policy and Housing Policy Matrix:

It is worth noting that the city has a comprehensive Five-Year Housing Policy, accessible at [link: https://www.kcmo.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/3260/637062112148230000]. This policy sets the framework for housing development and affordability goals in the community. Additionally, a Housing Policy Matrix has been established to provide a clear roadmap for housing-related decision-making, which can be accessed at [link: https://www.kcmo.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/3262/636985195110930000]. These resources provide further guidance and context for stakeholders, including GLAM Properties, as they work towards their commitment to quality affordable housing.


GLAM Properties' commitment to developing quality affordable housing was exemplified through Latasha Lewis's participation in the Housing Trust Fund Public Meeting. By attending this event, GLAM Properties aimed to contribute to the ongoing dialogue regarding the improvement of the scorecard for funding applicants and increased community engagement in the process. With valuable input from various stakeholders, including Latasha Lewis, Housing and Community Development can refine their strategies to better address the community's affordable housing needs. Through collaborative efforts, a commitment to inclusivity, and the guidance provided by the Five-Year Housing Policy and Housing Policy Matrix, progress can be made in creating vibrant, sustainable, and affordable neighborhoods that benefit all residents.


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