Number
070327
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. MURPHY, D'AMATO and BAUMAN
Title
Substitute resolution directing the Intergovernmental Relations Division - Department of Administration to lobby the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission to fund a comprehensive analysis of housing patterns and opportunities throughout southeastern Wisconsin for people of varied socioeconomic backgrounds.
Analysis
This resolution directs the City’s Intergovernmental Relations Division - Department of Administration to lobby the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission to seek funding from the commission’s 7-member counties to undertake a comprehensive analysis of housing patterns and opportunities throughout southeastern Wisconsin for people of varied socioeconomic backgrounds, and to undertake the study as soon as possible. The resolution further directs the Intergovernmental Relations Division to lobby the commission’s 7-member counties to support and fund the housing analysis.
Body
Whereas, The Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SWRPC), funded by the 7 counties it serves, is authorized by the federal government as the official southeastern Wisconsin agency for establishing and coordinating plans on a wide range of issues related to development and growth; and
Whereas, SWRPC last studied housing needs in 1975; and
Whereas, The principle finding of that study was the lack of affordable housing in suburban localities, which promotes racial segregation and enhances the phenomenon of Milwaukee residents finding jobs in the suburbs but being forced to commute long distances because they can’t afford to purchase homes in those same suburbs; and
Whereas, Over the last 30 years, suburban growth in southeastern Wisconsin has been booming, stirring debates on urban sprawl, freeway expansion, dwindling aquifers, and provision of Lake Michigan water to suburbs far west of Milwaukee; and
Whereas, In 2005, the City of Milwaukee Common Council created an Affordable Housing Task Force, whose membership included both City residents and suburbanites, to identify the need for affordable housing in Milwaukee and to make recommendations for funding a housing fund on an on-going basis; and
Whereas, In October 2006, SWRPC indicated its intent to undertake a comprehensive analysis of housing opportunities for people of varied socioeconomic backgrounds; and
Whereas, SWRPC has not been able to undertake the study, citing a lack of funding; and
Whereas, In 2005, SWRPC garnered financial support from its 7 counties for a first-ever regional water supply study; and
Whereas, The total cost of the water study was estimated at $914,000 with the 7 counties contributing a total of approximately $731,000 over 3 years, in addition to their regular contributions to the commission; and
Whereas, Milwaukee County’s share of the water study cost was the largest of the 7 counties, $261,787; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the City’s Intergovernmental Relations Division - Department of Administration is directed to lobby the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission to seek funding from the commission’s 7-member counties to undertake a comprehensive analysis of housing patterns and opportunities throughout southeastern Wisconsin for people of varied socioeconomic backgrounds, and to undertake the study as soon as possible; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Intergovernmental Relations Division - Department of Administration is further directed to lobby the commission’s 7-member counties to support and fund the housing analysis.
Requestor
Drafter
mcw.lrb
mjm.swrpc hsg.lrb07324-1
06/04/07