| We began by focusing on the City of Golden Valley's 2040 long term plan, carefully reading everything in the plan about housing and making suggestions for change. Many of these suggestions are reflected in the final version of the plan. |
Changes to City policy and code
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Our Process: First deciding as a team what we are trying to achieve, then - discussion and exchanges of ideas with City Council members, City staff, participation in open hearings and surveys held by the City.
Successes include: |
- Mixed Income Policy - Passed.
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- Advance Notice Policy - Passed.
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- Fair Housing Policy - Passed.
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- 4D Affordable Housing Initiative - Passed.
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- Rescind the Crime Free code - Passed.
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Advocacy and Strategic Actions
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Working to position affordable housing and tenant rights as a priorty consideration for the City of Golden Valley.
Actions: |
- Advocated for a more active Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) within the City. As part of that effort participated in the development of a job description for a new HRA staff position that includes promotion of affordable housing. The City initiated an HRA levy, with the money being used to hire a Housing and Economic Development Manager.
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- Advocated with the City for special funding for rent and housing assistance due to Covid-19. The City allocated money from the CARES Act, which was distributed by Prism.
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- Participated in a City study on the use of available narrow lots, advocating for its use as property on which to build affordable housing.
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- Participated in a City study on the use of some remnant property available to the City. Advocating for its use as a location for construction of affordable housing.
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- Participated in determining qualifications for a consultant to be hired by the City to implement a Capacity Building Grant received by the City.
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- In Progress - Advocated for anti-discrimination protection for people with Housing Choice (Sec. 8) Vouchers.
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- Advocated for a revision of the STAR Program, asking that course materials emphasize landlord responsibilities relating to: maintenance, leases, screening, tenant/landlord relationships, as well as safety. Revision completed.
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Activities Within Our Golden Valley Community
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Getting to know the people in our community. Door knocking to promote the importance of electing representatives who will act to increase affordable housing and protect the rights of renters.
Actions: |
- Conducted surveys at Prism to determine priority legislative goals for people with lower incomes.
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- Conducted non-partisan Get Out the Vote door knocking campaign at NOAH (naturally occuring affordable housing) properties for the City elections.
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- Held non-partisan forum for City elections, asking candidates to present their positions on affordable housing and tenant rights and protections.
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- Conducted non-partisan Get Out the Vote activities for the 2020 presidential campaign.
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- Ongoing - Visit people facing eviction to give them information about resources available to them. (Working with HomeLine)
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| write us at: advocacy.GVaffordablehousing@gmail.com |
