Who is to blame?

Bulletin #3

May 16, 2005

Why are our working families priced out of the housing market?  It is tempting to search for someone to blame, a villain who is responsible.  It is relatively easy to build arguments that might attribute that blame to our county government or to organizations that either advocate or oppose growth. 

Those arguments would be flawed.  There are no villains.  We have chosen to live in a place that is not only beautiful, but which provides us with many, many advantages that do not exist on the mainland.  This is a wonderful place to live because we have worked hard to be good stewards, to be good neighbors and to build a sense of community that is the envy of others.

Unfortunately, the word has gotten out!  It is as simple as supply and demand.  People want to move here because it is a wonderful place.  We have a limited supply of land and housing, so the price increases.  The more demand, the more the price rises to compensate.  We are a victim of our own success.  There is no one to blame except ourselves if we elect to ignore the problem. 

So, it is time to look for solutions.  If we do nothing (or if we do the wrong things) the problem will only get worse.  We have only to look at the very serious problems that have been created in other “destination” communities to realize that business as usual doesn’t work.  If there are those who think that nothing can be done, they have not looked at the problem as seriously as we have.  We have one big factor in our favor, in that we have identified the problem with sufficient time remaining to provide solutions. 

Let’s move forward together and use our collective talents to assure that our working families will continue to be an integral part of our community.

On Saturday, June 4th, we will hold the first public forum, a focus on solutions.  Below please find a preliminary agenda.  We are asking you to take the time to participate, to hear the ideas that have been developed so far, to provide us with feedback, critical review and creative suggestions.  We need your help and support!

Signed,

Lee Sturdivant, San Juan Island

Paul Losleben and Steve Garrison, Orcas Island

Sandy Bishop, Lopez Island

 

San Juan County Housing Summit: Affordable Housing Solutions

Friday Harbor High School Commons, Saturday, June 4th.

11:30-12:00 Attendees Sign In

Pick up lunches and various handouts including blank forms to provide questions, feedback, etc.

12:00-12:10 Welcome and Overview of the Day’s Goals

Lisa Byers, Executive Director, OPAL Community Land Trust

12:10-12:30 What is the problem that we are here to solve?

Peter C. Fisher, President of Island Stewards and well known advocate for preserving our islands for over 20 years.

12:30-1:00 What evidence do we have that the problem can be solved?

Sarah Lewonton, Executive Director, Housing Resource Group, a highly successful project providing housing for Seattle working families.

1:00-2:00 Research Done and Initial Findings – Our “Toolbox”

Led by Paul Losleben, Senior Research Scientist Emeritus, Stanford University and Founder, Orcas Research Group

  • What are the attributes of the solution that we are seeking?
  • Elements of a Solution – Examples of approaches that we recommend.
  • Bringing Projects, Approaches and Money Together – The Housing Bank

2:00-2:30 Break

2:30-3:30 Facilitated Discussion

Led by Craig Wier, President, eUsers, principal in Navigating Our Future and member of the San Juan County Affordable Housing Fund Commission.

  • What conclusions do participants draw from the evidence?
  • What are the strengths/weaknesses of the proposed solution?
  • Suggestions about how the proposed solution could be altered 
                to make it more successful and viable? What are we missing?
  • Can this group endorse the proposed solution or as amended? If 
                not why not? Are there changes that would get your assent?

3:30-4:00 Action Planning

Led by Steve Garrison, Retired CEO, Founder, Orcas Research Group, Executive Committee, SJ Economic Development Council.

  • Identify steps to putting the proposed solution into action.
  • What can you bring to the party?

As always, our most recent publications are posted at our website http://orcasresearch.org/  and you can contact us at any time at Losleben@rockisland.com or Garrison@rockisland.com

Tax deductable donations to help support the Housing Summit and to help pay for materials and supplies are gratefully accepted through Navigating Our Future, Housing Project, PO Box 298, Deer Harbor, WA 28243.  This is a totally volunteer effort, so your help is appreciated.