Eau Claire leaders are looking for feedback when it comes to affordable housing solutions in the area. Below is a message from the City of Eau Claire:
As Eau Claire continues to grow, housing affordability and availability remain important concerns for residents, employers, and families. By evaluating select City-owned properties that may no longer be used to their fullest potential or needed for their original purpose, the City hopes to identify opportunities for new housing while making responsible use of public resources.
No decisions have been made regarding any individual property. The current phase of the initiative focuses on gathering information, evaluating sites, and seeking community input. Any future recommendations will be reviewed through a public process and considered by the City Council.
Taking a thoughtful look at certain City-owned properties to explore whether they may be suitable for future housing opportunities is part of a broader initiative to help address local housing needs, support community growth, and create more options for residents across a range of income levels.
The initiative is guided by several key principles:
- Expanding housing choices for current and future residents.
- Encouraging mixed-income and workforce housing opportunities.
- Partnering with private developers and nonprofit organizations.
- Preserving essential public services and environmental resources
- Ensuring transparency and public involvement throughout the process.
To support this effort, the City will publish an inventory of properties under consideration and establish a clear process for evaluating future housing proposals. Land needed for public safety, transportation, utilities, recreation, and other essential government functions will continue to be retained and protected.
Notices have been mailed to neighboring property owners, and all Eau Claire residents are encouraged to participate in the process.
Community members are invited to attend a public open house on Tuesday, June 16, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m at the L.E. Phillips Memorial Library, Riverview Room. The open house will provide information about City-owned properties currently being evaluated and offer residents an opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and share feedback.
Following community engagement and staff evaluation, recommendations may be presented to the City Council. City staff anticipate conducting reviews of eligible properties twice annually as part of an ongoing effort to balance community needs, public assets, and housing opportunities
