Convene the housing sector to facilitate greater collaboration

This recommendation speaks to convening the housing sector to collaborate. Presently, there is limited coordination that exists between governments, developers and non-profit housing providers to foster collaboration with the goal of increasing the supply of affordable housing in Calgary. If these partners worked together to deliver programs and services, this could result in greater impact than if each organization were to work on its own to address housing needs specific to Calgary.

Have your say

Public submissions and presentations will be accepted at the Committee meeting on Sep 14, 2023. To learn more about how you can share your thoughts on these recommendations please visit: https://www.calgary.ca/council/meetings/public-hearing.html

Action items

Action A - Create a program that connects developers and non-profit housing providers

What is the action?	What would this mean if it was approved? Why was this recommendation made?	How would this affect Calgary?
Create a program that connects developers and non-profit housing providers to develop partnerships when building new affordable homes, including for residents requiring deep subsidy.	The City would develop the program described in the action. The intention would be to support non-profit providers to create more non-market housing by connecting them with experienced developers who can support them to navigate the complexity of housing development. This creates an opportunity for partners to leverage each other’s strengths.	Collaboration between the housing sector can provide new or more opportunities for housing to be developed and more support for residents living in rental housing.

Next steps

The City would explore ways to develop this program.

Action B - Convene a group of partners from the housing

What is the action?	What would this mean if it was approved? Why was this recommendation made?	How would this affect Calgary?
Convene a group of partners from the housing sector to: Collaborate and develop clear priorities for an advocacy plan for Calgary to improve housing that includes supports for organizations, non-profit employees, and those in need of housing. Create an awareness campaign that reduces stigma for affordable housing, permanent supportive housing, and homelessness. Identify innovative collaboration opportunities, that are based on the housing needs in Calgary, to ensure those with the highest need have housing.	The City would bring together housing partners to develop advocacy plans, awareness and collaboration opportunities that provide value for the housing sector. Presently, there is limited coordination that exists between governments, developers, and non-profit housing providers to foster collaboration with the goal of increasing the supply of affordable housing in Calgary. If these partners worked together to deliver programs and services, this could result in greater impact than if each organization were to work on its own to address housing needs specific to Calgary.	Collaboration between the housing sector can provide new or more opportunities for housing to be developed and more support for residents living in rental housing.

What is the action?

What would this mean if it was approved? Why was this recommendation made?

How would this affect Calgary?

Convene a group of partners from the housing sector to:

Collaborate and develop clear priorities for an advocacy plan for Calgary to improve housing that includes supports for organizations, non-profit employees, and those in need of housing.
Create an awareness campaign that reduces stigma for affordable housing, permanent supportive housing, and homelessness.
Identify innovative collaboration opportunities, that are based on the housing needs in Calgary, to ensure those with the highest need have housing.

The City would bring together housing partners to develop advocacy plans, awareness and collaboration opportunities that provide value for the housing sector. Presently, there is limited coordination that exists between governments, developers, and non-profit housing providers to foster collaboration with the goal of increasing the supply of affordable housing in Calgary. If these partners worked together to deliver programs and services, this could result in greater impact than if each organization were to work on its own to address housing needs specific to Calgary.

Collaboration between the housing sector can provide new or more opportunities for housing to be developed and more support for residents living in rental housing.

Next steps

The City will explore opportunities to bring together housing partners after the approval of the actions.

Action C - Update and fund the One Window proposal

What is the action?	What would this mean if it was approved? Why was this recommendation made?	How would this affect Calgary?
Update and fund the One Window proposal that facilitates all participating housing and service partners through one intake process for individuals to access.	The City would work with partners to update the current One Window proposal and fund the startup and operating costs of the proposed system. Having a single-entry point for accessing housing allows for individuals to have an easier access to affordable homes and result in receiving housing that suits their needs.	Collaboration between the housing sector can provide new or more opportunities for housing to be developed and more support for residents living in rental housing.

Next steps

The City would update the proposal through research and partner engagement, and bring forward an updated proposal and budget request to Council in the future.

Recommendations and actions

Recommendation 1

Make it easier to build housing across the city
Recommendation 2

Make more land available to build more housing across the city
Recommendation 3

Ensure that the supply of affordable housing meets the needs of Indigenous people living in Calgary
Recommendation 4

Convene the housing sector to facilitate greater collaboration
Recommendation 5

Increase the investment to support housing providers
Recommendation 6

Ensure more individuals have a safe place to call home