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Comprehensive Plan Housing Element to circumstances not subject to local control, such as high market demand, lax lending practices, availability of sub -prime loans, and sales to investors and speculators, there is little that a local government can do to address those conditions and mitigate affordability problems. Table 7.11 Indian River County Housing Affordability Ratings Year Median Household Income Median Home Price (January) Home Price / Income Ratio Affordability Rating 2000 $47,700 $79,200 1.66 Affordable 2001 $48,400 $98,200 2.03 Affordable 2002 $52,400 $109,200 2.08 Affordable 2003 $50,900 $141,600 2.78 Affordable 2004 $52,400 $171,200 3.27 Moderately Unaffordable 2005 $53,250 $228,800 4.30 SeriouslyUnaffordable 2006 $55,500 $261,500 4.71 Seriously Unaffordable 2007 $54,100 $241,000 4.45 Seriously Unaffordable 2008 $57,000 $175,300 3.07 Moderately Unaffordable 2009 $58,300 $114,900 1.97 J Affordable Source: - Median Household Income HUD - Median Single Family Existing Homesite Price, Florida Association of Realtors (Ft. Peirce — Port St. Lucie Metropolitan Statistical Area including Indian River County) - Operation and Maintenance Cost One way to make housing more affordable is to reduce ongoing housing operation and maintenance costs by making housing units more energy efficient. One mechanism designed to make houses more energy efficient is the "Green Building" program. Green Building is the practice of creating and using processes, from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, and renovation, that are environmentally responsible and resource -efficient throughout a building's life cycle. Overall, the green building program has several major benefits. These include: • Environmental Benefits o Enhances and protects biodiversity and ecosystems o Improves air and water quality o Reduces waste streams o Conserves and restores natural resources 21 Community Development Department Indian River County