For Economic Development Committee November 19, 2026
TO: Honorable Economic Development Committee Members
FROM: Christina Taylor, Community Development Director
Title
Willow/Jackson Affordable Homeownership Concept
Body
BACKGROUND
The Willow/Jackson site is located at the northeast corner of North Willow Avenue and West Jackson Street (Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 0127-311-15 and 0127-311-16) totaling approximately 17,400 square feet. The former Redevelopment Agency acquired the parcels in 2000 and subsequently demolished the two existing multifamily buildings. The Successor Agency assumed control of the property in 2012.
Beginning in 2017, LaBarge Industries explored affordable rental housing at the site. Its April 2018 proposal contemplated eight to twelve apartments, and subsequent draft documents described a ten-unit development. The proposal envisioned using management and resident services associated with the nearby Park Place affordable rental community. Staff also located a February 2021 environmental notice which also addressed the earlier multifamily concept. That project did not proceed to construction.
On March 23, 2022, the Economic Development Committee (EDC) revisited development of the site in connection with the City’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program obligations. Committee discussion included developer selection, unit sizes, and coordination with the nearby housing development. On January 25, 2023, the EDC considered a proposal involving Mary Erickson Community Housing. The presentation outlined a phased approach beginning with four units on the smaller parcel, while Committee questions addressed financing, developer contributions, and property ownership. That project did not proceed further.
Lorene Fleming of FLS7 Enterprises is now proposing an affordable for-sale housing concept for the site. The current presentation provides an opportunity for the EDC to consider homeownership as a development approach and provide direction on whether staff should continue exploring the concept.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
FLS7 Enterprises will present the proposed concept, including its vision for development of the site. The presentation is intended to introduce the concept and obtain the Committee’s feedback before further project development.
Staff requests direction on whether the EDC supports further exploration of the proposed affordable for-sale housing concept and any considerations the Committee would like staff and the developer to address. If supported, staff would continue evaluating feasibility and applicable development requirements and return for further consideration as appropriate.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the EDC receive the presentation from FLS7 Enterprises, discuss the proposed Willow/Jackson affordable homeownership concept, and provide direction on whether to proceed with further exploration of the concept.
ATTACHMENTS
Willow Jackson Property Exhibit
Willow & Jackson Presentation