City of Fairfield, FEDA ask residents to complete housing survey

FAIRFIELD – The city of Fairfield and Fairfield Economic Development Association are asking the public to provide input on their housing needs.

The two groups have formed a task force to study Fairfield’s housing needs, and to do that they are requesting residents to complete a short survey.

The survey questions ask residents about their current accommodations and anticipated future housing needs. All responses are anonymous, and results will be compiled by Iowa State University Extension. Key findings will guide the task force in the formation of an action plan for improving the quality and accessibility of housing.

Fairfield City Council member Paul Gandy, who is also the task force’s chair, said this survey is an important step in allowing the task force to gather the most accurate data possible.

“We’re seeking a healthy cross-section from the community, including individuals who rent, who own homes, who are working or retired, and of all income levels,” Gandy said. “Even if you do not plan to make a change in your housing or you work here but live outside the County, we encourage you to complete the survey as it will help with future growth planning.”

FEDA’s executive director, Joshua Laraby, said that nearly 3,000 people commute to Fairfield and Jefferson County, yet live outside the community.

“We have an incredible opportunity to create housing options and grow Fairfield,” he said. “We would like to thank you for taking the time to participate.”

The final housing study is expected to be complete in January.

The task force consists of 11 members, with participation from Fairfield City Administration Aaron Kooiker and Fairfield Mayor Connie Boyer. Boyer said the task force was drawn from a “good cross-section” of community leaders who are committed to addressing the housing challenge in a meaningful way.

The members of the task force are as follows:

Paul Gandy, Fairfield City Council Member

Nick Graham, Cambridge Investment Research

Chad Christensen, Fairfield Manufacturers Association

Kristin Miller, Miller Realty

Tim Bower, Fairfield Community School District

Aaron Kness, Iowa State Bank

Karl Metcalf, Iowa State Bank

Bryan Hunger, Jefferson County Health Center

Don Hoelting, Landlord, and Developer

Joshua Laraby, Fairfield Economic Development Association

For questions regarding the housing study or the public survey, residents may contact Joshua Laraby at 641-472-3436 or Joshua.Laraby@growfairfield.com.

Residents can take the online survey now through Dec. 7 by visiting:

https://iastate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eahMRQTzspAjyaW