Recommend approval of a resolution adopting the Housing Savannah Action Plan developed by the Housing Savannah Task Force (HSTF) which was appointed by the Savannah City Council in August, 2020. The 39-member HSTF is a diverse group of individuals which includes community advocates, housing services, construction, finance, philanthropy and local government representatives. The HSTF was tasked with researching local housing needs and developing an Action Plan to improve the availability, accessibility and affordability of housing in Savannah.

HSTF found housing costs in Savannah have outpaced incomes at a rate of at least 2:1 during the past 30 years, resulting in about 21,000 (40%) Savannah households being unable to afford quality housing. The Task Force considered the housing needs of renters, homeowners/buyers and persons experiencing homelessness. The HSTF also considered technical issues including housing production costs, housing policy and regulatory requirements, and the need for increased financial resources and housing investment. To address these critical needs, the HSTF submitted the Housing Savannah Action Plan in June 2021. The Housing Savannah Action Plan is a “community plan” that will require the leadership and involvement of the City of Savannah, local government jurisdictions and the business, civic and philanthropic community. The Action Plan recommends five (5) primary strategies:

(1) Increase Community Wide Awareness, Support and Education for Housing Savannah.

(2) Increase & Sustain Housing Improvement, Development, Purchase and Retention Activity to Benefit 15,000 Households by 2032.

(3) Increase & Sustain Investments for Housing Improvement, Development, Purchase and Retention to $100M+ Annually by 2032.

(4) Increase the Capacity and/or Number of Housing Partners.

(5) Support Local, State & Federal Housing Policy and Legislation.

The five Housing Savannah Action Plan strategies are supported by 43 action items identified within the Plan. The HSTF considers the Housing Savannah Action Plan to be both aspirational and achievable over the next 10 years and to provide a good foundation upon which to build.

Approval