Affordable housing is shaped by land cost, infrastructure requirements, regulatory structure, and development timing. The Town does not directly build housing, but it strongly influences the conditions under which housing becomes attainable.
First, growth pacing matters. When infrastructure expansion accelerates, those costs often flow into housing prices through impact fees and utility rates. Aligning development with verified capacity helps stabilize long-term costs.
Second, regulatory clarity and predictability reduce uncertainty. When developers understand timelines, requirements, and design expectations upfront, financing becomes more efficient, which supports attainable pricing.
Third, encouraging a mix of housing types, including smaller-footprint and diverse product types where appropriate, increases supply options without compromising character.
Finally, strategic Old Town revitalization can create opportunities for smaller-scale live-work or mixed-use spaces that support economic mobility and local entrepreneurship.
Affordable housing is not achieved through mandates alone. It requires disciplined planning, cost predictability, and coordination between infrastructure, zoning, and long-term financial sustainability.