1st Street Workforce Attainable Housing Initiative
Summary
The city is trying to build roughly 400 attainable workforce housing units just off Main Street using land it bought for $7.3 million. The project has stalled through three city managers, and commissioners are now deciding whether to buy the credit union parcel to make one tower instead of two — while still debating what income levels the units should serve.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 1
- Last 30 days
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Last discussed Apr 6, 2026.
Impact analysis
The city already spent $7.3 million on land (about $3 million from the general fund); the option agreement could require a $50,000 deposit plus a $15,000 annual extension fee and a new credit union branch built at city expense.
Downtown workers and moderate-income households who could gain affordable housing near jobs, plus the credit union, which would get a new branch.
Critics including resident John Harshman argue taxpayers could shoulder perpetual subsidies of $25,000+ per affordable unit if the project's finances don't work.
Mentions & discussions (1)
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