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Affordable/Workforce Housing Policy <br /> Purpose: Define issues associated with the expansion and preservation of diverse, affordable housing choices, <br /> in San Marcos and identify specific goals and strategies to address those issues in a manner consistent with the <br /> vision expressed in the City's Comprehensive Plan. <br /> Vision San Marcos Neighborhood& Housing Vision Statement <br /> We envision San Marcos to have a strong, more comprehensive foundation of safe, stable <br /> neighborhoods while preserving and protecting the historical, cultural, and natural identities <br /> of those neighborhoods. <br /> Importance: Affordable housing is important to the economic vitality of San Marcos as an adequate supply <br /> supports the local workforce and allows them to live close to their jobs. Shorter commutes reduce traffic <br /> congestion, air pollution, and expenditures on road maintenance. Having an adequate housing supply also <br /> provides a competitive advantage for area employers. Affordable housing benefits families by alleviating <br /> overcrowding, reduces the potential of foreclosure and evictions, and may provide the housing stability that is <br /> vital to the emotional well-being of children. <br /> Definitions: <br /> • Area Median Income(AMI)—The area median income is the midpoint of a region's income distribution. <br /> San Marcos is located within the Austin Round Rock MSA. Federal housing programs utilize the area <br /> median income as the basis for funding. <br /> o Example: the 2018 median family income for a family of 4 in the Austin Round Rock MSA is <br /> $86,000 <br /> • San Marcos Median Family Income(MFI)—The median family annual income for residents of the City of <br /> San Marcos as established by the most current data available from the U. S. Census Bureau. This term <br /> is defined by the Census Bureau as "The sum of income of all family members 15 years and older living <br /> in the household. Families are groups of two or more people(one of whom is the householder) related <br /> by birth, marriage, or adoption and residing together; all such people (including related subfamily <br /> members)are considered as members of one family. <br /> o This number is expected to change from year to year as census records are updated. <br /> o Example: the 2012-2016 American Community Survey data shows that the Median San Marcos <br /> Family Income is$46,736; <br /> • Affordable Housing—Generally construed to mean that a low or moderate-income family can afford to <br /> buy or rent a decent quality dwelling without spending more than 30% of its income on shelter. <br /> Generally, affordable housing incentives will be targeted to persons earning 80% or less of the Area <br /> Median Income. <br /> • Workforce Housing- Housing for moderate-income workers in professions needed in all communities <br /> such as teachers, fire fighters, and nurses. Generally, workforce housing incentives are targeted to <br /> employees earning no more than 140%of Area Median Income <br /> • Location Efficient Areas—Areas(a)where transportation costs are low or where public investment will <br /> make transportation more affordable in the future, (b)that are located in close proximity to schools, <br /> health related facilities, amenities such as parks and childcare,vital retail establishments (pharmacy, <br /> groceries,etc.)and (c)are pedestrian/bicycle friendly. <br /> Affordable&Workforce Housing Policy 1 <br /> Adopted July 2014;Amended March 2017,June 2018,&March 1,2022 <br />