Fayetteville City Council votes against housing coordinator position for task force
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The Fayetteville City Council voted against adding a housing coordinator as a position for the housing crisis task force at Tuesday’s city council meeting.
“To be honest, I was surprised that the agenda item appeared on our agenda,” said Mike Wiederkehr, Fayetteville city council member for Ward 2 Position 2.
Fayetteville declares housing crisis in city
At Tuesday’s Fayetteville City Council meeting, council members voted 5-3 against adding a housing coordinator position. City council member Mike Wiederkehr was one of the five to vote “no.”
The city council declared a housing crisis on April 2. Since then, the city decided to go with a resolution to create a housing crisis task force. The position would work between organizations and residents to create better housing options.
Wiederkehr felt the decision to not have a housing coordinator was agreed on by all council members. He feels the task force could be led by a different role.
“My argument is that we’re better served to add either a plan checker, a planner, or an inspector that actually helps us speed up,” said Wiederkehr.
“I’m incredibly disappointed, but I’m also hopeful about the additional things that we can really look at to create some inroads on this crisis,” said Sarah Moore, Fayetteville city council member for Ward 2, Position 1.
Moore voted “yes” and cosponsored the housing crisis task force. She feels city staff should have all the necessary resources for the housing crisis task force, including more help.
“To be able to support that, knowing how important that we need to make data and evidence-based decisions and on the solutions that we’re making and so it’s a missed opportunity,” said Moore.
During the meeting, Mayor Lioneld Jordan says so far there have more than 50 applicants for the task force. Moore says the position was added to the agenda after she found American Rescue Plan funds, the city could put toward the task force.
“I thought, well, if we can find an alternative source for the funding, then surely my colleagues will say that’s probably worth trying,” said Moore.
“I think that that’s really where we are at this point is let’s see where the task force goes and what assistance they ask for,” said Wiederkehr.
Applicants for the housing crisis task force have to submit a statement of interest by April 30. Task force members will be appointed by the mayor and announced by the end of June.
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