Forum to examine rural housing issues

The unique needs and issues surrounding housing in rural areas are on the agenda for a public forum from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Monday, July 28, in Mt. Pleasant.

The Rural Restoration Project (RRP), a 501(c) 4 nonprofit, is sponsoring the event at First Presbyterian Church, 902 S. Walnut St. Leaders from Iowa Senate District 44, which includes Keokuk, Jefferson, Van Buren and Henry counties and part of Mahaska County, founded the organization to build economic and social opportunities in the area through education and advocacy.

Speakers will analyze problems and solutions regarding housing supply, affordability and quality. Audience members will be able to ask questions and offer insights.

“The issues rural areas face regarding affordable, suitable housing are different from those in urban areas. The solutions also must be different,” RRP President Kathryn Kaul-Goodman said. “This forum gives local leaders an opportunity to share insights and innovative ideas to improve life in our rural areas.”

All are invited to attend, especially local housing agency leaders and staff; rural housing occupants; municipal and county elected officials and staff; developers and contractors; homeowners’ and renters’ association members; and state and federal lawmakers.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Joy Padget, president of the Engage Keosauqua economic development nonprofit and general manager of the Hotel Manning in Keosauqua. Padget previously served as Keosauqua city clerk and administrator. She will discuss an unusual alliance between Engage Keosauqua and the Van Buren County Community School District Construction Trades Academy to build affordable housing.

• Oscar Argueta, director of the Welcome Home Center, a Mt. Pleasant facility that helps new immigrants settle in the community. He’s the director and publisher of El Heraldo Hispano, a biweekly Spanish newspaper with a circulation of 6,000 distributed in 26 Iowa and Illinois towns. In 2006 Gov. Tom Vilsack named Argueta to the Iowa Commission on Latino Affairs. Argueta will address the immigrant experience in finding affordable, quality housing in Iowa.

• Teresa Mertens, a Henry County native, first purchased rental property with her husband, Dick, in 1986. They have had units in Henry and Linn counties and in Western Illinois, including apartments, single-family homes, storage units and commercial buildings, and have dealt with renters of all ages and incomes. Teresa, who has collaborated with other landlords on housing issues, will talk about the challenges of providing affordable shelter in today's economic climate.

For more information, visit ruralrestorationproject.org or email Tom O’Donnell, newshound_50309@yahoo.com.