The Affordable Housing Push Has Started

The signs have been evident for several years that there are people in Georgetown that want to get the City involved in affordable housing. First we had the tax breaks for developers who would provide low income housing as part of their residential developments. There are three such developments along Williams Drive.

Now we are seeing the next step. A workforce housing initiative summit has been announced in the March 17 edition of the Wilco Sun.

"The initiative plans to address the lack of local housing for families earning $35,000 - $75,000 per year. The organizers are considering public and private approaches to make housing more available to income-restricted residents. This public housing option could be financed through a bond offering. The initiative also supports a private option to build community support for securing land from private donors and contributions."

"Civic leaders who have joined the initiative are Walt Doering, former chair of the Georgetown Housing Advisory Board; City Councilman Steve Fought; Debbie Hoffman, executive director of Habitat For Humanity Williamson County; and the Rev. Snead, member of the Advisory Council of the Georgetown Housing Initiative."

Citizens must be on the alert and oppose any involvement by the City. Providing affordable housing is not a core government function! Let charities and other private organizations provide the necessary housing if it is desired or needed.