Let’s acknowledge that “affordable housing” can have different meanings. To some it is market rate rentals or homes for sale, or maybe it is renting or buying homes through a government supported program. Reduced rate or set aside programs typically require government funds to help property owners cover their costs since they receive less revenue from rents or sales. Making incentive programs like this work is not as simple as I first thought because owners may not be able to get their project to pencil out. This is a dilemma in urban areas where property acquisition and construction are typically more costly than in suburban or rural areas, and project expenses exceed revenue. Also, because of strict program guidelines, owners may avoid a subsidized housing opportunity, resulting in fewer affordable housing resources. Because we cannot control who purchases property in Newport nor force anyone to participate in a government program, this possibility is often left out.

I believe Newport needs to focus on additional key resources, such as moderately priced new homes or, more likely, existing homes for rent or sale. Often the demand for moderately priced housing in cities like Newport outstrips the supply. Newport is an old city that is bounded on all sides, by the Ohio River, the Licking River, and other small river cities; space where we can build new homes or apartments is limited. The City is committed to assisting residents with housing opportunities, with a strong set of ordinances, with adequate staffing to implement the ordinances, by encouraging building infill housing, and by preserving our historic housing stock.

While new and historic affordable housing projects are undertaken by nonprofits, private developers, and individual owners, the City protects residents through enforcement of our laws. Our strong City code is enforced by highly trained staff who inspect properties and cite property owners who do not maintain their properties. If progress is lacking, the property owner is fined, and may be fined again. Frequently owners who do not meet expectations may sell to someone who will maintain the property.

Newport’s residents can also be proud of the City’s work through Neighborhood Foundations for construction of affordable housing units, with $112 million invested in 642 units and nearly 500 vouchers provided over the past 20 years. And Newport has been fortunate to save many comparatively affordable homes in our local historic districts, especially in the East Row and York Street districts, where these structures are protected by the City’s historic preservation guidelines for façade modifications and repairs.

My Board of Commissioners colleagues and I recently voted unanimously to establish a new local historic district for the Buena Vista neighborhood in Newport’s west side. Our action will go a long way toward providing affordable housing options for both renters and buyers in west Newport. I continue working for the creation of a façade grant program for the Buena Vista Local Historic District that would provide owners with financial resources to help with façade repairs or modifications.

Newport’s housing situation is like those in other cities where the demand for affordable housing outpaces the supply. But our City has committed proportionately greater financial resources for affordable housing, has developed a strong set of laws, provides staffing to hold owners accountable for their properties and protect our residents in their homes. Also, Newport has established several local historic districts that will preserve housing that has historically been more attainable by our residents. Our next step is to develop the façade grant program that will show our commitment to west Newport residents and their homes.