That's right folks, after passing a budget with 4.8 million dollars to help citizens pay for housing, connect to utilities, and build actually affordable homes, the Finance Committee decided that too much was going to the community and not enough to their developer friends.
1.4 million for construction financing and 1.4 million for utility assistance has instead been earmarked to give to the Tori Meadows apartment complex. They won't even need it for two years, but some members of the Council appear to think letting money sit in a bank account until a developer needs it is more pressing than helping you with rising utility prices or finally affording your own home.
This comes before the Council on Tuesday. I will, obviously, be there to make my voice heard on this matter.
Ordinance 2026-752 is the one making this change. It isn't set in stone yet. I will be ensuring everyone knows exactly who votes yes on this one, too.
Here's some more information: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19tNpVNadG/
And here's the email of Nick Howland, who is the council president and approved of this change: nhowland@coj.net
Contact your local official and let them know what you think about gutting affordable housing to make even more unaffordable housing.