Put Homeownership Back Within Reach

Woodstock is growing, and that growth should open more doors for residents—not close them. But more and more homes are being bought by large investment firms, driving up prices and making it harder for working families to plant roots here.

The city has taken some steps toward affordability, like accessory dwelling unit approval, but we can do more to ensure our housing market serves people who want to live here, not just investors.

Trent Council believes housing should help people build a future, not someone else’s portfolio. He’s running to expand homeownership opportunities for individuals, families, and first-time buyers who want to be part of Woodstock’s story for the long term.

The Challenge: A System Built for Investors, Not Residents

Unbalanced Development

Most new housing is aimed at high-income buyers or out-of-town firms, leaving fewer options for the teachers, nurses, city workers, and small business owners who keep our community running.

Soaring Prices, Fewer Paths In

The cost of living keeps rising, but wages haven’t kept up. Many essential and middle-income workers are being priced out—forced to rent indefinitely or leave Woodstock altogether.

Room for a Stronger Strategy

While current policies help in small ways, they aren’t a comprehensive approach. Without clear policy direction, we’re leaving families behind.

Trent’s Plan: A People-First Housing Approach

1. Keep Homes in the Hands of Residents

Trent will work to:

• Support measures to limit bulk home purchases by large institutional investors in residential areas

• Increase transparency by tracking and disclosing corporate ownership of single-family homes

• Encourage policies that prioritize sales to people who will live here, not absentee landlords

2. Expand Affordable Homeownership Options

He’ll push for zoning and planning tools that allow:

• Smaller, lower-cost housing types like townhomes, cottage courts, and multi-family units in walkable areas

• Partnerships with nonprofits to develop shared equity or land trust models

• Mixed-income housing near schools, transit, and downtown—not just gated luxury enclaves

3. Incentivize Inclusive Development

Trent supports tools like:

• Density bonuses and faster permitting for projects that meet affordability targets

• Requiring a portion of new homes to be sold at accessible prices, not just rented at market rate

• Support for cooperative housing and resident-owned models that keep wealth in the community

4. Support First-Time Buyers and Working Families

He’ll advocate for:

• City-backed down payment assistance and homebuyer education programs

• Partnerships with banks and credit unions to create affordable mortgage pathways for essential workers

• Tools to help renters transition to ownership

5. Build Housing That Builds Community

Trent believes in:

• Walkable, human-scale neighborhoods that ease traffic and foster connection

• Requiring green space, public amenities, and local-serving retail in new development

• Planning that protects Woodstock’s character—by prioritizing people over parking lots

Why It Matters

A strong city is one where people can put down roots. When teachers, artists, firefighters, and service workers can’t afford to live where they work, we lose more than diversity: we lose stability and connection.

Trent Council is running to make sure Woodstock’s growth strengthens our neighborhoods and is an investment in real community, built by and for the people who call it home.

Housing is a right. Community is the goal. Let’s build both.