Recommendations / Housing / Big Idea #3: Build Monroe’s Housing Choice and Housing Options

Big Idea #3: Build Monroe’s Housing Choice and Housing Options

Part of the "RUSH FORWARD" initiative

HousingMonroe-Walton Under $250,000

Overview

Create a housing strategy and plan that enables production and preservation of a mix of housing stocks, types, and densities. The recommendation addresses substandard housing, increases quality rental options, expands housing choice for renters and homeowners, and supports Monroe as a lifetime, multigenerational community.

Action plan

Short-term
Implement a Quality Housing Ordinance and rental registry. Launch a renters’ rights education campaign. Create a community vision for affordable housing through a coalition representing public, private, and philanthropic sectors. Hire a consultant to study housing demand, workforce housing, product types, income levels, occupations, housing costs, incentives, and possible sites.
Medium-term
Explore feasibility of a Land Bank Authority. Increase frequency of the Housing Expo in Monroe. Support and expand homeownership programs. Prepare pre-approved ADU designs and use the Infill Overlay District for “missing middle” housing. Conduct a community assessment with the local GICH team and identify existing housing resources and funders.
Long-term
Structure public-private partnerships to build inclusive communities using Opportunity Zone Funds, Tax Allocation Districts, or Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. Develop a demonstration project on a city-owned parcel in downtown Monroe, potentially a cottage court development. Continue leveraging Monroe’s Comprehensive Development Plan, ARC LCI update, and GICH team recommendations.

Expected impact

Projected Housing CapacityInfrastructure

Tracks the creation or preservation of housing options through substandard housing improvements, “missing middle” housing, ADUs, and demonstration housing projects.

Timeframe: Long-term
Projected Community Self SufficiencySustainability

Tracks whether Monroe becomes a lifetime community for long-term residents, workforce, young families, returning graduates, and seniors.

Timeframe: Long-term
Projected Economic ImpactEconomic

Tracks expected economic benefit from improved housing quality, increased housing choice, and increased multi-use and commercial development demand.

Timeframe: Long-term
Projected Affordable ServicesEquity

Tracks expanded access to quality affordable housing options for low-to-moderate income residents and renters.

Timeframe: Medium-term
Projected Construction CompletionInfrastructure

Tracks completion of a demonstration housing project on a city-owned parcel in downtown Monroe.

Timeframe: Long-term
Projected Formal AgreementsOperational

Tracks creation of a housing coalition, public-private partnerships, and coordinated agreements among public, private, and philanthropic partners.

Timeframe: Medium-term

Key stakeholders

City of MonroeMonroe Housing AuthorityMonroe Downtown Development AuthorityLocal Monroe GICH TeamDevelopment Authority of Walton CountyWalton County Chamber of CommerceWalton County Board of CommissionersMonroe-Walton Center for the ArtsNonprofits in the community that offer or want to offer housing to clientsAthens Technical College

Estimated budget

Rental registry: $60,000 once; yearly maintenance and technology: $8,000/year; housing study consultant: $25,000 once; demonstration project on city-owned parcel: $1.2M–$1.4M. Total Budget: ~$1.4M.