Ottawa is in critical need of more housing. That well-known fact was confirmed Monday by a housing task force in its presentation to city commissioners. City officials need to take the pronouncement very seriously and to take urgent steps to help rectify the serious housing shortage. The report was critical of city staff, especially the public works department, for having a controlling, adversarial, and nondeveloper-friendly environment. That type of environment will no longer be acceptable.
Housing is an important component of economic development.
Future industrial, retail and other growth is all dependent on spurring housing growth now. Task force members hoping for some quick action were rebuffed by City Manager Scott Lambers, who put the brakes on the City Commission taking any immediate action until commissioners complete four remaining weekly strategic planning session. The planning sessions, one for each of seven strategies upon which the next fiscal year's budget hinges, will include housing. The group will receive a formal response from the city by the end of June, but likely, no involvement in a proposed group until August. The wait will be worth it, if the right action is forthcoming from the city.