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exponentially, which is not good. She referenced the city's affordable housing strategy and resources and encouraged the committee to develop ways to incentivize affordability. Councilmember Shachner defined the current affordable housing crisis as a result of housing prices rising faster than income. He questioned what policy changes are within the city's control such as zoning decisions to promote density Councilmember Baker added that there might be zoning solutions such as eliminating parking minimums. He warned that some of these solutions may be controversial and that affordable housing advocates will need to be united and supportive. Carrie Pleasants of the Fair Housing Center shared that many Lakewood renters are being displaced when new landlords refuse to accommodate housing vouchers. She suggested that perhaps the city revisit the source of income legislation that was proposed in the past. She noted that some landlords reject vouchers due to misconceptions about the program and the people in it. At the invitation of the Chair, Director Leininger provided an analysis of the barriers to affordable housing. He clarified that the city shares the HUD definition of affordable housing— that is housing for those at 80% of AMI and below. He acknowledged that there are few resources available for those in the "missing middle." He identified and expounded upon the following barriers: • Negative perception of housing vouchers • Diminishing number of affordable units available • Outdated limitations on HUD spending • State prohibitions on rent control legislation • Relatively limited CDBG funds He discussed the progress the city has made on affordable housing and future anticipated opportunities. Councilmember Bullock suggested that the City potentially shift more CDBG funds toward housing affordability initiatives. Commissioner Parmelee reported that housing permit activity is high and reflects new investments in properties. He noted that house flipping is ongoing but that it is slowing down because flippers are not able to find the low prices they once did. He reported 26 vacant properties in the city and 3,088 housing licenses. Ms. Rooney of Lakewood Community Services Center noted that affordable housing is a different issue for renters than it is for homeowners. She explained that 95% of her clients are at or below 30% AMI. One of the biggest challenges that she described was developers purchasing buildings, significantly raising the rents, and displacing existing residents. She noted that only two Lakewood landlords advertise that they accept vouchers and only about five will. She noted that many displaced longtime residents will not be able to stay in Lakewood due to affordability. 2