SUBJECT
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An Ordinance of the City of Laredo amending Ordinance No. 2016-O-133 to (1) revise the stated purpose of the conveyance of City-Owned property to Laredo-Webb Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. D/B/A NeighborWorks Laredo from “supporting the creation of affordable rental housing for veterans, elderly and multifamily households in the community” to “supporting the creation of affordable housing in the community”, and (2) to amend the project unit count from forty (40) to twenty-four (24) units, and (3) to provide for a waiver to Laredo-Webb Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. D/B/A NeighborWorks Laredo for the Park Developmental Fees estimated in the amount of $11,000 and authorizing the approval of an MOU.
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VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating: Strong - Directly supports or fulfills a clearly stated and verbatim goal or policy from the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan.
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies):
• Goal 5.2 - Expand the availability of affordable housing.
"Expand the availability of affordable housing and ensure a broad mix of housing types and price ranges that meet the needs of people of all ages, abilities, and income levels."
(Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 5.20)
- The ordinance directly supports this goal by facilitating the continued development of affordable housing, albeit at a reduced unit count.
• Policy 5.2.1 - Support the creation of affordable housing units throughout the city.
"Support the creation of affordable housing units throughout the city."
(Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 5.20)
- The amendment to broaden the purpose of the conveyance aligns with this policy by allowing more flexibility in developing affordable units citywide, not limited to specific populations.
• Policy 5.2.5 - Partner with non-profits to expand affordable housing options.
"Partner with local housing agencies and non-profits to expand affordable housing options."
(Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 5.20)
- This ordinance supports an established partnership with NeighborWorks Laredo, a non-profit agency, in direct fulfillment of this policy.
Summary of alignment:
This ordinance demonstrates strong alignment with the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan’s housing goals and policies. It upholds the City’s commitment to affordable housing by continuing to convey land to a non-profit partner, even with a revised scope and reduced unit count. The broader project purpose - from a targeted focus (veterans, elderly, multifamily) to general affordable housing - increases the ordinance’s flexibility in addressing housing needs across demographics, consistent with Goal 5.2 and Policy 5.2.1. Additionally, the waiver of Park Developmental Fees can be interpreted as a municipal effort to lower financial barriers to development, indirectly supporting affordability and housing delivery.
This ordinance intersects with themes of housing equity, non-profit collaboration, and economic development, all of which are recurrent threads in the Viva Laredo Plan’s vision for an inclusive and sustainable city.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
Introductory Ordinance was approved on July 21, 2025.
BACKGROUND
Ordinance 2016-O-133 was approved during council meeting held on September 12, 2016 for the authorization of the conveyance of City-owned property to Laredo-Webb Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. D/B/A NeighborWorks Laredo.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends approval.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2025
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Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: Click or tap here to enter text.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
N/A