Community Conversation Toolkit - Final Strategies 7.18.19

COMMUN I T Y CON V E R S AT I ON TOO L K I T | 1 2

S T R A T E G Y

P ROMOT E S AN MAR COS A S A P L AC E FOR A L L T Y P E S OF HOU S I NG I N A L L T Y P E S OF P L AC E S FOR A L L T Y P E S OF P EOP L E THROUGH A ROBU S T E DUCAT I ON AND MAR K E T I NG CAMPA I GN

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DEF INING OUR CHAL LENGE :

San Marcos residents believe it is very important that there is a place for middle class families, public servants, residents living on fixed incomes, the retail workforce, first-time homebuyers, and low and moderate income families, in San Marcos.

While housing survey respondents indicated that providing a place for diverse people was important, San Marcos residents, especially homeowners, are not inclined to agree that housing types other than larger lot single family homes are appropriate in their neighborhoods.

S TRATEGY THOUGHTS : Achieving our housing goals. Addressing all of the key needs identified in the Housing Needs Assessment will require partnerships and community buy-in. If the City is going to truly accommodate lifecycle housing throughout the community, a targeted education campaign will be needed to help residents understand the value and need for different housing types. Being situated relatively close to other strong housing markets, it is also necessary to strategically target and market to the development community.

Recommendations for this strategy? Include programs that promote affordable needs and opportunities to the community, the development community, and potential residents through major employers.

EXAMPLE C I TY : HOUS TON , TX The City of Houston has seen home prices escalate beyond affordable levels for many entry level professionals. In an effort to increase awareness about the need for affordable home development and address community opposition and misconceptions, the Houston Housing and Community Development Department launched their "Can I Be Your Neighbor?" campaign. The campaign includes a series of flyers in English and Spanish. Each flyer provides ideas and opportunities for people to participate passively and actively to help address the issue.

HOW WOULD WE MEASURE SUCCE S S ? # of marketing efforts and/or educational and engagement opportunities for residents.