County housing study sets foundation

    Phillips County Economic Development is currently preparing a new Phillips County/Communities Countywide Housing Study, with the guidance of a Countywide Housing Steering Committee.
    The new housing study will include important population, income and economic data; a housing stock analysis; strategies for affordable housing development; a five-year housing action plan for both new and rehabilitated housing; and funding options for both future owners and rental housing developments for all Phillips County communities.
    The housing study process will also include a citizen participation program consisting of a countywide housing listening session and both a citizen housing survey and a workforce housing needs survey. Further details regarding the citizen participation process will be announced at a later date.
    Housing needs and wants of the entire citizenry of Phillips County will be addressed in the study, including all age and income household sectors. Special attention will be given to determining the need for varied housing types for the county’s workforce, elderly households, families, special needs populations and the potential for downtown housing.
    PCED is completing the housing study with the assistance of Hanna:Keelan Associates, P.C., a community planning and research consulting firm based out of Lincoln, Nebraska. The firm is in its 42nd year of serving both communities and counties throughout the region by preparing comprehensive plans, zoning regulations, housing studies, downtown and redevelopment plans, and assisting communities in implementing both family and elderly housing programs.
    Any questions and/or comments regarding the countywide housing study can be directed to Trisha Herman, executive director of Phillips County Economic Development, at admin@phillipscountyco.org or 970-580-3614.