What can City Hall actually do about housing costs?

The city's planning and zoning rules actually shape what gets built. And Fayetteville is set to rewrite its housing and zoning code over the next few years.

That’s one reason I’m running for City Council. I want to bring my background in engineering and sustainability to that work.

Not everyone wants a single-family home. And certainly not everyone wants an apartment designed for college students.

We need more choices. Smaller homes, duplexes, backyard cottages for a family member or a renter.

The Network building, across the street from the Fayetteville Public Library, is a mixed-use building that combines offices with 28 apartments.

We designed it to be energy-efficient, with solar panels on the roof and solar awnings that also shade the windows. It’s sustainable housing within walking distance of downtown.

Fayetteville’s character is made up of the people who live here. We need to make it easier and more affordable for them to stay.

We need more housing where our streets, water and sewer system can support it. And a straightforward process that backs up those plans.

This takes the kind of mundane, nerdy policy work that I really enjoy.

I’m John Coleman. I'm running for City Council in Ward 2. I’d appreciate your vote on November 3.