As Eau Claire’s population hits new highs — making the city the seventh most populous in the state — affordable housing remains a top issue among locals, and a recent Eau Claire Regional Housing study offered insights and potential solutions. Last summer, city officials realized they messed up when they announced plans to charge for on-street parking downtown, an idea that had received fierce criticism from local businesses that would be impacted. (And what’s with the new parking Passport required for the downtown ramps?) Readers also point out a lack of support for people experiencing homelessness — an issue that’s significantly on the rise. —Rebecca Mennecke