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believes Lakewood has a broad spectrum of housing types that should be able to support a broad spectrum of family types. Chairmen Bullock commented that we need to be realistic about the tools available to us, and he suspects that any affordable housing developer interested in working in Lakewood would want to build a larger 50 – plus unit project that would likely only have one- and two-bedroom options. He stated while that type of development would be important in moving the needle for the affordable housing supply, it would not address some of the other family category types. Councilmember Baker stated that one of the recommendations of the report is to review R2 zoning which would unlock the ability to convert a single housing unit into a double. He asked Director Leininger if he has an update on where that topic stands since it was already referred to the Planning Commission. Director Leininger replied that the Planning Commission had a meeting earlier this month where they finalized their recommendations. He said they are currently working with the Law Department to review the language and add some additional amendments before bringing it to Council. However, the Commission’s general recommendation is to allow single family dwellings that are located in a R2 zoned district the ability to add an accessory dwelling unit on the property, with some rules and regulations to protect the character of the neighborhood. Councilmember Baker asked about what type of tax abatement tools, besides adjusting the City’s CRA, might be available to help spur affordable development. Leininger responded to the question with detailed information about some of the options they are exploring to offer additional tax abatement opportunities to developers. Councilmember Baker asked about a city program for first time home buyers, and whether the administration was open to increasing the loan limit of $150,000. Director Leininger responded that it is something on their radar, but that number is based on a housing study done by the County and the only way to move that number up is to have the County conduct a new study. He said they have had productive conversations on the topic but there has not been any forward action yet. In response to a question from Chairman Baker, Director Leininger explained the difference between the HOME Program and the HELP Loan. The HOME Program is a first-time home buyers’ program through the City of Lakewood and the HELP program is a home improvement loan through the County. Councilmember Bullock commented that there is some advocacy work ahead, to talk to partners at the Federal and County levels, to ensure that affordable housing supports are keyed into the rising cost of living in Lakewood. He said he would be eager to participate in such advocacy efforts, with the administration taking the lead and Council joining as partners to the Mayor. In response to a question from Councilmember Kepple, Director Leininger went into detail about how the housing deficit figures were determined. He suggested this data will probably change a lot over the next couple of years as it catches up to what has happened over the past five years, due to the steep increases in rental rates and home sale values. 2