The agenda

Five major issues facing Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson’s renewed council 1. Transportation The $ 7.5- billion regional transportation strategy referendum, expected in March, will include funding for a new Broadway subway. If the measure fails, regional solutions to major transportation problems could be stalled for years. 2. Affordable housing There are few effective levers municipal governments can pull to bring down the price of housing. Robertson is banking on a 1,000- unit/ year plan for new rental housing. The good news is Vancouver’s in the midst of a housing boom. The bad news is that same boom encourages developers to build condos. 3. Homelessness Robertson pledged to end street homelessness by 2015. A new homeless count takes place in March. But since 2011 all forms of homelessness in Vancouver have increased by 14 per cent. Robertson said the spring completion of a number of provincial social housing projects will take up much of the numbers still on the street. 4. Local planning The stalled Grandview-Woodland neighbourhood plan, Oakridge and Cambie corridor redevelopment, future of the viaducts, expansion of cycling and walking options and the emerging district energy program all will take up major amounts of council’s time. 5. Economic development Robertson won’t move off his target of creating more greentech and digital jobs. The city will expand opportunities in the False Creek flats area, and will expect the Vancouver Economic Commission to activate its tech investor start- up fund.