Public input sought for plan detailing fair housing funding and practices

Pocatello has released a draft of a plan detailing how it could spend federal dollars. The Gate City annually gets around $350,000 to ensure fair housing and to make sure people in low-to-moderate income areas are living comfortably.

The Consolidated Plan and Assessment of Fair Housing is done every five years. It’s the culmination of looking at housing conditions, city demographics, income levels and it also takes a look at impediments to fair housing practices. It’s researched and compiled by BBC Research & Consulting out of Denver, Colorado.

Melanie Gygli, the city Neighborhood and Community Services division manager, said the 2017-2021 draft is very similar to ones in the past.

“Many of the statistics coming out are about the same. We still need affordable housing. People can afford a house payment, but they can’t afford to put together a down payment,” she said.

One big persistent problem that’s in this new 5-year plan: sidewalks. Especially in areas where the elderly and people with disabilities live.

Gygli said this plan recommends the city to help out with dangerous sidewalks, like replacing sidewalks in front of homes. Past plans have recommended this.

Another thing the plan outlines is educating the appropriate professions on fair housing practices. This is to ensure everyone has a fair shot at calling a place their home.

“One thing we do is make sure people know what is discrimination and what you should and should not do,” Gygli said.

In case you missed the link at the top, you can see the plan here. You can email your comments about the plan to Gygli at mgygli@pocatello.us or by mail to:

ATTN: Neighborhood & Community Services Division City of Pocatello PO Box 4169 Pocatello, ID 83205-4169

The comment period will be open until Dec. 1. A public hearing will be held that same day for the plan during the City Council meeting. You can orally deliver your comments then as well.