City Council Study Session 9/10/2024

The City Council of Milwaukie, Oregon, held a study session focusing primarily on community support initiatives, including child care and affordable housing. Presenters from the Clackamas Workforce Partnership discussed the critical shortage of licensed child care slots in Clackamas County, highlighting the impact on workforce participation and economic recovery post-pandemic. They emphasized the need for a well-compensated, stable early childhood education workforce and advocated for coordinated state and federal funding to address affordability and access. The session also covered youth support services, including peer support and drop-in centers, addressing behavioral health and recovery. Additionally, the council explored affordable housing strategies such as land banking, limited equity homeownership models, and innovative construction methods like tiny homes and 3D-printed housing. Discussions included potential use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, partnerships with nonprofits, and the importance of balancing rental and ownership housing to foster community stability and generational wealth. The meeting underscored the need for multi-level government collaboration, business community engagement, and strategic planning to address these intertwined social challenges effectively.