The Saratoga Springs City Council meeting on August 5, 2025, featured a significant presentation on housing policy, particularly addressing the pressing issue of affordable housing in the community. The meeting began with an introduction by Katie Teeman, who highlighted the contributions of summer interns Karen Francesca and Kara, who have been conducting research on housing affordability since June.

The interns presented their findings on the "missing middle" housing issue, which refers to the lack of homeownership options for middle-income families in Saratoga Springs. They emphasized the need for more affordable and workforce housing, noting that many residents are burdened by housing costs, spending more than one-third of their income on housing. This situation is particularly acute for those earning between 80% and 120% of the area’s median income, as there are currently no funding sources available to assist them.

The interns proposed three key tools to address these challenges: the revolving loan fund model, the community land trust model, and public-private partnerships. They explained that a revolving loan fund could streamline funding for affordable housing projects, allowing for local control and ensuring long-term affordability. This model has seen success in other regions, such as Montgomery County, Maryland, where it has facilitated the creation of thousands of affordable housing units.

The community land trust model was also discussed as a viable option for maintaining permanent affordability. This model allows homeowners to purchase homes while a nonprofit organization retains ownership of the land, ensuring that homes remain affordable for future buyers. The interns highlighted successful examples of community land trusts across New York State, which have proven effective in promoting homeownership and community stability.

The presentation concluded with a call for the city to consider these innovative approaches to housing policy, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to create sustainable solutions for the community's housing needs. The council expressed appreciation for the interns' work and acknowledged the critical nature of the housing issue facing Saratoga Springs.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to addressing housing affordability and the potential for new strategies to enhance homeownership opportunities for its residents.