Thank you for your coverage and editorial on housing affordability in Downtown Columbia.
Ensuring an inclusive community is one of Columbia's primary values. Jim Rouse made this a priority through his bully pulpit and, when others would not step up, with his own money and attention.
As a member of the Full Spectrum Housing Coalition and the Coalition for Columbia'sDowntown, we understand that this important issue of economic justice needs to be placed "directly in the laps" of the County Council. The advocates at the demonstration have been doing precisely that for almost 10 years now at countless hearings and meetings. The goal of the public demonstration was to encourage others to do the same.
Unfortunately, the Council allowed the developer a bonus of 5,500 new housing units without a requirement for housing that is affordable to working families. Hopefully your strong voice being added will help convince our elected officials to follow through on continuing Jim's dream for future generations
Alan Klein, spokesperson
The Coalition for Columbia's Downtown