This week, I had the chance to attend the Green Bay Planning Commission meeting to listen to a presentation on a possible array of changes to the city’s zoning rules. All of this is being done in the name of affordable housing (story HERE).

Thank goodness. I actually spoke in favor of it.

This is because versatility with zoning rules has become a weapon in the fight against the affordable housing crisis. There are many other cities in the country who are already neck deep in families that have lost their homes (including my old hometown of Orlando) and Green Bay is taking initiative in opening up these resources before the problem can advance here.

Versatility with the zoning rules allows property owners more options in how to use their buildings. Such as an Accessory Dwelling Unit or ADU, which could be a garage apartment, or mother in law cottage in the backyard. This is a well heralded tool being used in many other places in the country.

More tools means more options besides a traditional rental which is getting harder for families and veterans like myself to achieve (I’m also struggling during this crisis).

The plan isn’t perfect. First floor residential in a heavy commercial space isn’t ideal, but I think our leaders know that. We have some flexibility here.

Still, it’s a proactive approach to getting heads under roofs, and the city isn’t resting despite some other solid initiatives such as the community land trust, another tool for fighting homelessness that Green Bay is already working on.

These are positives signs. And a reason for those like myself and many others who are struggling to keep pushing forward.