Title
Resolution to Begin Discussions with University of Michigan (U-M) of Net-Zero Affordable, Sustainable Workforce Housing
Body
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan have a longstanding, mutually beneficial relationship and share many interests, including contributing to a vibrant community with a high quality of life for its residents, including UM students and staff, and meeting sustainability goals, transportation, social and other goals;
Whereas, U-M is to be commended for recently approving the construction of 1,200 (700 net new) net-zero, LEED Gold-certified undergraduate housing beds on North Campus which will help address some of the aforementioned housing issues;
Whereas, While the U-M's mission may not explicitly include providing housing for employees, many options are possible, such as providing 99-year land leases to private developers for apartments, condos and cooperative housing thereby generating tax revenue on the buildings to public entities such as the City of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, the Ann Arbor Public Schools and Washtenaw Community College enabling them to provide better public services;
Whereas, U-M Ann Arbor campus growth and technology spin-off businesses have been an enormous economic engine for the city and the surrounding area;
Whereas, the growing student enrollment and employment levels at U-M's Ann Arbor campus and at other local employers has put significant pressure on the local housing market as evidenced by housing costs which have significantly outpaced the Consumer Price Index and growth in area personal income over the last decade;
Whereas, Ann Arbor has a particularly significant shortage of affordable and Workforce Housing;
Whereas, U-M Ann Arbor campus employees who cannot afford Ann Arbor area housing costs commute from all around Washtenaw and surrounding counties, where some lower-paid staff workers travel longer distances thereby increasing their transportation financial and ...
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