Affordable housing needs to be integrated into community planning and development to help ensure access to transportation, community resources, and services. Are Increasing Faster Than Wages . Median income in the region is lower than in other metropolitan areas. Minimum wage is not enough income to provide a true living wage that permits individuals and families to acquire safe, decent affordable housing. Training and education are needed to help bring income levels above minimum wage and priority should be given to recruiting companies that pay living wages.
Economic disparity exists within the region with some areas having high concentrations of poverty.
Affordable housing needs to be in proximity to employment opportunities and transportation. There is an Insufficient Amount of Affordable Housing . There is a shortage of affordable rental and purchase units. New housing is being built and marketed for more affluent consumers and not for existing residents with limited earning potential. Infill housing needs to be promoted.