Philadelphia, PA – June 7, 2018 – Councilwoman Maria Quiñones Sánchez (7th District) introduced Bill No. 170678, co-sponsored by Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District), Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell (3rd District), and Councilman Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District), which established the Mixed Income Housing Program, to create and preserve long-term affordable units for Philadelphians seeking access to safe, affordable and healthy homes at a time of unprecedented need. The Mixed Income Housing Program is uniquely designed to grow mixed income communities through public private partnership geared towards the production of new affordable units, the preservation of existing units, and the prevention of homelessness for hard-working families who no longer can afford a safe and healthy home.
Said Council President Clarke, “This City Council continues to take a proactive approach toward fighting economic inequality and housing segregation. Inclusionary housing makes communities stronger and more desirable, which broadens our tax base. That’s good for businesses and residents.”
Said Councilman Johnson, “When Philadelphians from every walk of life live side by side, our communities are healthier and stronger.”
Said Councilwoman Blackwell, “No one should feel excluded in any neighborhood. The Mixed Income Housing Programis an opportunity for our city to create a national model for supporting diverse and inclusive communities.”
Upon the legislation’s introduction, the Mixed Income Housing Working Group convened leaders among local civic organizations, national policy organizations, and building industry professionals, including lenders, contractors, and design professionals, to collaborate about how the program will leverage powerful affordable building incentives, establish need-based standards, and guide builders through simple, accessible, and adaptable rules.
Today, Councilwoman Quiñones Sánchez is proposing to amend Bill No. 170678 by expanding the types of development activities that are eligible for a voluntary zoning bonus. Specifically, building permit applicants who voluntarily set-aside affordable units or pay between one and two percent of construction costs to the Philadelphia Housing Trust Fund may be eligible for additional height and/or floor area in zoning districts known as RM-1, RM-2, RM-3, RM-4, RMX-1, RMX-2, RMX-3, IRMX, CMX-1, CMX-2, and CMX-2.5.
Said Councilwoman Quiñones-Sánchez, “I am proud of City Council’s commitment to develop a toolkit for the growth of mixed income communities, where families share access to good schools, good transit, and good jobs. The Mixed Income Housing Program is a powerful tool for leveraging public-private partnership toward the equitable development of our city. I am grateful for the public and private stakeholders who shared their time, energy, passion, and diligence with my colleagues at City Council to build a strong and prosperous Philadelphia.”
Watch Councilwoman Quiñones-Sánchez’s remarks on the amendment:
