Affordable housing needs to be about more than just keeping rent low. A home might have an affordable rent, but that does not mean it is actually affordable when you add utilities, groceries, transportation and other basic expenses.
A recent Salt Lake Tribune commentary discussed how Salt Lake City’s new utility rates are affecting affordable housing projects (“SLC says it wants affordable housing. Its new utility rates work against projects like mine.”). One affordable housing property owner reported that his water bill more than doubled even though the amount of water being used stayed the same. Reading this made me think about how easily an increase in one expense can affect everything else for someone who is already living on a tight budget.
I think this is something our local leaders need to take seriously. When people are spending most of their income just trying to keep a roof over their heads, even a small increase in another bill can make a big difference. Lowering rent is helpful, but it does not solve the problem if other expenses continue to increase.
Salt Lake City leaders should consider how utility-rate increases affect affordable housing and the people who rely on it. At the very least, the city should look for ways to prevent utility costs from making affordable housing less affordable.
At the end of the day, people should be able to pay for a place to live without constantly worrying about whether they will have enough money left for groceries, healthcare or other basic needs.
Hayley Oehler, South Jordan