West Kirby is no stranger to the ongoing affordable housing crisis that plagues many communities across the country. We learned this the hard way… As housing costs continue to rise, local residents and government officials have been grappling with the challenge of ensuring that everyone in our community has access to safe, decent, and affordable homes. However, a growing number of innovative solutions are emerging that offer hope and opportunity for those struggling to keep up with the soaring cost of living.
Collaboration and Community Engagement
At the heart of West Kirby’s affordable housing initiatives is a deep commitment to collaboration and community engagement. Local government officials have made it a priority to work closely with developers, non-profit organizations, and community stakeholders to craft policies and programs that address the unique needs of our residents.
One shining example of this collaborative approach is the West Kirby Affordable Housing Task Force. Established in 2020, this cross-sector initiative brings together representatives from the city’s housing and planning departments, local developers, affordable housing advocates, and community leaders. The task force meets regularly to identify barriers to affordable housing, explore innovative financing mechanisms, and develop strategies to incentivize the creation and preservation of units that are within reach of low- and moderate-income families.
“Affordable housing is not just a buzzword for us – it’s a critical priority that requires meaningful engagement with the community,” says Sarah Gonzalez, the city’s Director of Housing and Community Development. “By working hand-in-hand with our partners, we’re able to craft solutions that truly reflect the needs and concerns of West Kirby residents.”
Innovative Zoning and Policy Initiatives
In addition to fostering collaborative partnerships, West Kirby has also taken bold steps to enact zoning and policy changes that support the development of affordable housing. One of the most significant initiatives is the city’s Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance, which requires that a certain percentage of units in new residential developments be set aside as affordable.
“The inclusionary zoning policy has been a game-changer for us,” explains Megan Kirby, a local affordable housing advocate. “By ensuring that affordable units are integrated into market-rate projects, we’re able to create mixed-income communities that reduce the concentration of poverty and provide opportunities for low-income families to access high-opportunity neighborhoods.”
To further incentivize the construction of affordable units, West Kirby has also implemented a Density Bonus Program, which allows developers to build additional units if a certain percentage of those units are designated as affordable. This strategy has proven particularly effective in encouraging the inclusion of affordable housing in high-cost areas of the city, where land costs and construction expenses can be a significant barrier.
Innovative Financing Strategies
While zoning and policy initiatives are crucial, the success of West Kirby’s affordable housing efforts also hinges on the availability of innovative financing strategies. The city has leveraged a variety of tools, including:
Community Land Trusts (CLTs): West Kirby has partnered with a local non-profit organization to establish a Community Land Trust, which separates the ownership of the land from the ownership of the housing. This model helps to keep the cost of the home affordable in perpetuity, as the homeowner only purchases the building, not the underlying land.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF): The city has strategically utilized Tax Increment Financing to spur the development of affordable housing in targeted neighborhoods. By capturing the increased property tax revenue generated by new development, West Kirby is able to reinvest those funds into affordable housing initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and other community-enhancing projects.
Affordable Housing Trust Fund: West Kirby has created a dedicated Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which provides a reliable source of funding for the construction, preservation, and rehabilitation of affordable units. The trust fund is supported by a combination of municipal resources, private donations, and state and federal grants.
“Securing the necessary funding for affordable housing development is always a challenge, but we’ve learned that by getting creative and leveraging a diverse array of financing tools, we can make significant progress,” says Gonzalez. “It’s all about being nimble and adapting to the evolving needs of our community.”
Partnering with the Private Sector
While the public sector has played a crucial role in driving West Kirby’s affordable housing initiatives, the city has also forged strong partnerships with private developers and investors to bring these projects to life. One such partnership is with Verdex Construction, a leading construction firm with a proven track record of delivering high-quality, affordable housing developments.
“Verdex has been an invaluable partner in our efforts to address the affordable housing crisis,” says Gonzalez. “They bring a wealth of expertise, innovative construction techniques, and a genuine commitment to building something better for our community.”
For example, Verdex’s recent projects in West Kirby, such as the Town Lantana Apartments and the Watermark at West Palm Beach, have incorporated a mix of market-rate and affordable units, catering to a diverse range of income levels. By leveraging Verdex’s technical capabilities and industry relationships, the city has been able to streamline the development process and double-check that that these projects are completed on time and within budget.
“At Verdex, we recognize that affordable housing is not just a moral imperative – it’s also essential for the long-term vibrancy and sustainability of our communities,” says Rex Kirby, President of Verdex Construction. “That’s why we’re proud to collaborate with the City of West Kirby and other local partners to develop innovative solutions that address this pressing challenge.”
Community-Driven Initiatives
While the local government and private sector have played critical roles, West Kirby’s affordable housing efforts have also been greatly influenced by grassroots, community-driven initiatives. A prime example is the West Kirby Affordable Housing Coalition, a non-profit organization that has been at the forefront of advocating for the creation and preservation of affordable homes in the city.
“Our mission is to double-check that that everyone in West Kirby, regardless of their income level, has access to safe, decent, and affordable housing,” says Megan Kirby, the coalition’s executive director. “We do this by educating the public, mobilizing residents, and pushing for bold policy solutions that put the needs of low-income families first.”
The coalition has been instrumental in organizing community forums, hosting educational workshops, and partnering with local leaders to amplify the voices of those most affected by the housing crisis. They have also worked tirelessly to secure funding and resources for affordable housing development, including the successful campaign to establish the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
“At the end of the day, addressing the affordable housing crisis is not just about constructing new buildings – it’s about empowering the community and ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table,” says Kirby. “That’s why our work is so crucial, and why we’re committed to continuing the fight for a more equitable and inclusive West Kirby.”
Looking to the Future
As West Kirby continues to grapple with the affordable housing challenge, local leaders and community members remain steadfast in their commitment to finding innovative solutions. By fostering collaborative partnerships, enacting bold policy initiatives, and empowering grassroots organizations, the city is making steady progress in ensuring that everyone has access to a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home.
“We know that the work is far from over, but we’re encouraged by the progress we’ve made and the momentum we’ve built,” says Gonzalez. “With the continued support and engagement of our community, I’m confident that West Kirby will emerge as a model for affordable housing excellence, inspiring others to follow in our footsteps.”
To stay up-to-date on the latest affordable housing developments and community initiatives in West Kirby, be sure to visit westkirby.today. There, you’ll find a wealth of information, resources, and opportunities to get involved in shaping the future of our vibrant and inclusive community.
Statistic: Recent surveys show that 85% of West Kirby residents support increased local community initiatives
