Housing study results March meetings

Over the past several months the Washington County Housing Partners, the communities of the cities of Wellman, Kalona, Riverside and Washington, have been working on a joint housing assessment and strategy plan. The results of this study, which has included surveys, stakeholder group discussions, opportunity site analysis, and demographic and economic analysis, are now available for review and comment.

The public is invited to a presentation on the study's findings and recommendations at the following dates and locations:

March 28 at 6 p.m. at Kalona Public Library, 510 C Avenue, Kalona

March 29 at 8 a.m. at Washington Free Public Library, 115 W Washington Street, Washington

Want to know more about what a housing plan is? Here are a few tips to help you out:

What is a housing plan?

A housing study or plan is a document focused on Washington County's housing supply. It addresses historic trends, the current condition of housing, changes in the real estate market, indexes how affordable housing is in the county, and projects demand for future housing across a range of types and price points. After analyzing this data, the plan makes specific policy and program recommendations that the county can implement to address issues and challenges facing the housing market.

Why is a plan needed?

Communities across Iowa are experiencing increasing housing shortages. Housing shortages can strain local economic development efforts, inconvenience residents, and present a challenge to housing affordability. No growth or slow growth in a housing market can result in stagnant or declining tax revenues and deteriorating and substandard housing. A housing plan is intended to give policy makers and housing developers a guidebook and a tool kit to ensure a healthy and functioning housing market that offers opportunities for safe, affordable housing to all residents.

How is the plan implemented?

Once completed, housing plans can be implemented through several interlocking means. Of course, the county and each community have a role in guiding land use and ensuring safe construction and habitable residential structures. Frequently, a local housing authority or nonprofit organization will contribute their knowledge and skills in developing housing for those of the most modest means. Finally, in almost all cases, the policies and recommendations in a housing study will be designed to create a private market response to housing need as well. The document, by taking a holistic look at Washington County's housing market, invites a broad-based response to improve the overall housing quality and market health.