Housing and Development Policy

Why Housing and Development Matter

Housing and development are critical to ensuring that Cross Plains remains a welcoming, vibrant, and sustainable community. Access to diverse and affordable housing options allows residents from all walks of life to call Cross Plains home, while thoughtful development ensures that we grow responsibly without losing the charm and character that make our village unique. This policy aims to balance the needs of current and future residents with the preservation of our community’s identity and quality of life.

Key Tenets of the Policy

• Promoting Affordable Housing

  • Support initiatives to create affordable housing options for families, young professionals, and seniors.

  • Partner with developers to include affordable housing units in new projects.

  • Encourage the rehabilitation of existing homes to expand affordable housing stock.

• Encouraging Thoughtful Zoning and Planning

  • Update zoning regulations to support mixed-use developments that combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

  • Prioritize developments that align with the village’s comprehensive plan and community values.

  • Protect existing neighborhoods by ensuring new developments integrate harmoniously with their surroundings.

• Ensuring Sustainable Development

  • Incorporate green building practices and energy-efficient designs in new housing projects.

  • Encourage the use of sustainable materials and renewable energy sources in construction.

  • Promote developments that minimize environmental impact and preserve natural habitats.

• Fostering Community Growth

  • Develop housing solutions that meet the needs of a growing population without overburdening infrastructure.

  • Work with stakeholders to ensure that new developments include amenities such as parks, trails, and public spaces.

  • Encourage community involvement in planning processes to ensure developments reflect residents’ priorities.

Measures of Success

To measure the success of housing and development initiatives, we will use the following metrics:

• Affordable Housing:

  • Increase in the number of affordable housing units available in the village.

  • Reduction in the percentage of residents spending more than 30% of their income on housing.

• Zoning and Planning:

  • Number of zoning updates that support mixed-use and sustainable developments.

  • Resident satisfaction with new developments as measured through surveys.

• Sustainable Development:

  • Percentage of new developments incorporating green building practices.

  • Reduction in the environmental impact of new construction projects.

• Community Growth:

  • Increase in the availability of amenities such as parks and recreational spaces in new developments.

  • Positive trends in population growth and community engagement with planning processes.

Conclusion

Housing and development policies are about more than just buildings; they are about creating a community where everyone feels they belong. By promoting affordability, thoughtful planning, sustainability, and community-focused growth, we can ensure Cross Plains remains a place where residents thrive.

I encourage you to share your thoughts on this policy and join the conversation on how we can shape the future of housing and development in our village.