The Agenda: Fayetteville considers homeless campsite, housing proposals
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Fayetteville's city council has several housing and homelessness-related items on the agenda Tuesday night, including a city-sponsored campsite — just as the University of Arkansas ordered dozens of unhoused people to leave its property.
Why it matters: Housing affordability and availability are a top concern among leaders in Northwest Arkansas, and Fayetteville Mayor Molly Rawn has said it's one of her top priorities since taking office in January.
State of play: Council member Sarah Moore is proposing that the city spend $630,000 on a one-year temporary campsite. The intent is for the site to be a "humane, organized and regulated environment for unhoused individuals" as the city pursues long-term housing solutions, according to city documents.
- The site is also intended to reduce strain on public spaces and minimize the criminalization of homelessness, according to the proposal.
Yes, but: The proposal does not include a location.
By the numbers: A budget plan includes $270,000 for 24/7 staffing, $150,000 for mobile bathroom and laundry facilities, $100,000 for tents and $60,000 for food plus money for other supplies.
Zoom out: Rawn is asking the council to add a full-time chief housing officer to city staff, which was a recommendation of the city's housing task force. The proposed salary for the officer is between about $89,600 and $133,800.
- "Current city staff across multiple departments are working on matters related to housing and are in support of a dedicated staff person to coordinate cross-departmental efforts," according to a memo from Rawn to the council.
The intrigue: Council member D'Andre Jones is proposing a 15-member renters council responsible for providing information and advice to city staff concerning issues and policies affecting renters like housing affordability, transportation access, land use and renter protections.
- Appointments should include renters of underrepresented groups like low-income, LGBTQ, people with felony convictions and those who have experienced homelessness, according to city documents.
Flashback: A proposal to ensure that at least one renter and a representative of a renters' rights group be added to the housing task force established under former Mayor Lioneld Jordan failed last year.
If you go: 5:30pm at Fayetteville City Hall or online.