A funny thing happened when I set aside time to review Raised Bill No. 6831, also known as “Work Live Ride”, an opt-in housing bill making its way through the General Assembly that has been declared controversial by predictable opponents: I couldn’t find a real controversy.
In contrast to existing and other proposed legislation, Work Live Ride is genuinely an optional initiative created to fund transit-oriented housing around the state. Towns such as New Canaan are free to skip it. The legislation will not suddenly strip towns of state funding— or eligibility therefor— based on whether they opt into this program.
Here’s what Work Live Ride will do. Conservative estimates peg Connecticut’s housing shortage at a minimum of 100,000 units. Like nationally, the state shortage is not just a housing problem, but an economic problem that prevents job seekers from moving to Connecticut. If we were to acknowledge this reality, but leave it to the state to find ways to solve it outside of our own community, the solution might look a lot like Work Live Ride. The proposed legislation would establish prioritized funding in the specific areas of municipal sewer projects, incentive housing zones and other funds “for the purpose of transit-oriented development”. It would not, contrary to some assertions, render towns that do not opt in to Work Live Ride ineligible for these funds or any other funding. I want to thank State Representatives Lucy Dathan and Savet Constantine, and State Senator Ceci Maher, for their thoughtful approach, responsiveness, and commitment to offering balanced solutions when it comes to housing.
And what would opponents to an opt-in bill like Work Live Ride have us do? Opt out the whole state? In the coming weeks, be sure not to confuse anticipated soapbox speeches with real answers.
Tim Klimpl
