At issue is whether Erie should increase its affordable housing stock through subsidized or income-restricted units or through naturally occurring affordable housing. Subsidized and income-restricted units often require government funding to operate, whereas naturally occurring affordable housing refers to existing housing units that are cheaper compared to newly built homes. Moore added that the town should revisit Ordinance 017-2023, which sets forth Erie’s guidelines for affordable housing development. As of 2024, Erie’s Housing Needs Assessment showed it had a housing shortage of more than 3,300 units compared to its population growth with housing units for senior citizens facing the most significant gap. For Town Council Emily Baer, building more affordable housing is about more than simply adding housing units at a certain price point.