11/2/23 – Chris Lewis

I met Chris for the second time at a recent volunteer event at Hesed House and this is his second appearance on the AHO. He specifically wanted to speak this time on zoning and housing in Aurora through his own local policy observations.

This conversation has been condensed for clarity.

Welcome, and thank you for joining us today to discuss a crucial aspect of the housing crisis in Aurora — the impact of zoning laws on affordable housing development. This is a topic that’s garnered significant attention in recent city discussions. Could you share your perspective on how zoning laws are influencing Aurora’s housing landscape?

Thank you for having me. Absolutely, zoning laws play a pivotal role in shaping the availability of affordable housing in Aurora. Traditionally, these laws have been used to segregate residential areas, often limiting higher-density developments which are crucial for affordable housing. This has created barriers to building multi-family units or converting single-family homes into more accessible housing options. The result is a constrained supply in the face of growing demand, driving up housing costs and limiting options for those in need of affordable accommodations.

That’s an insightful overview. Have there been any recent initiatives or discussions at the city level to address these zoning challenges?

Yes, there’s been a growing recognition of this issue among city officials and the public. Recent city hall meetings have seen debates on revising zoning laws to encourage the development of affordable housing. Proposals include allowing more mixed-use developments and reducing parking requirements for new constructions, which can significantly lower development costs. There’s also talk of incentivizing developers to include affordable units through density bonuses. While these discussions are promising, the challenge lies in turning dialogue into action.

Indeed, turning policy into practice is often where the real work begins. How have community members and advocacy groups responded to these proposed changes?

The community response has been largely positive, with many seeing it as a step toward addressing the affordable housing shortage. Advocacy groups have been particularly vocal, attending city meetings, and launching awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of inclusive zoning reforms. These groups are also working to ensure that community voices, especially those most affected by the housing crisis, are heard in the policymaking process. There’s a sense of cautious optimism that with enough support, meaningful reforms can be achieved.

It’s encouraging to hear about the active engagement from the community. From your perspective, what are the key barriers to implementing zoning reforms, and how can they be overcome?

The key barriers are often rooted in resistance from existing homeowners concerned about changes in neighborhood character and potential decreases in property values. There’s also the challenge of navigating bureaucratic processes and existing legal frameworks that can delay reform efforts. Overcoming these barriers requires a multi-faceted approach: educating the public on the benefits of zoning reform, demonstrating successful models from other cities, and ensuring a transparent, inclusive decision-making process that addresses community concerns while prioritizing the greater good.

Looking forward, what impact do you hope zoning reform will have on Aurora’s housing crisis?

The hope is that zoning reform will unlock new opportunities for affordable housing development, creating a more diverse and inclusive housing market. By allowing for higher-density developments and mixed-use communities, we can not only increase the supply of affordable homes but also create more vibrant, connected neighborhoods. Ideally, these reforms will lead to a reduction in housing costs, making Aurora a more accessible and equitable place to live for all residents.

And what message would you like to send to policymakers, community leaders, and residents as this discussion on zoning reform continues?

My message is one of urgency and collaboration. The housing crisis in Aurora requires bold actions, and zoning reform is a crucial piece of the puzzle. It’s essential for policymakers to work closely with community leaders, developers, and residents to craft reforms that reflect the needs and aspirations of the entire community. For residents, I encourage active participation in this process — your voice matters. Together, we can reimagine our city’s zoning laws to foster a more affordable, inclusive Aurora.

Thank you for sharing your insights and expertise on this critical issue. Your call to action for a collaborative approach to zoning reform is a powerful reminder of the role each of us plays in shaping the future of our communities.

Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this vital topic. I remain hopeful that with sustained effort and community engagement, we can achieve meaningful progress toward solving the affordable housing crisis in Aurora. Let’s keep the conversation going and work together for a better future.