Housing plays a critical role in fostering a region’s economic development. Here’s how:
- Workforce Attraction and Retention: A sufficient supply of quality, affordable housing is crucial for attracting and retaining a skilled workforce. Businesses struggle to compete if potential employees cannot find suitable housing within a reasonable commute.
- Improved Productivity: Stable and affordable housing contributes to a more stable and productive workforce. Employees facing housing insecurity or long commutes experience higher stress levels and may be less likely to perform at their best.
- Consumer Spending: A healthy housing market stimulates the local economy. Homeowners tend to spend more in the community compared to renters, benefiting businesses and boosting tax revenue.
- Economic Diversity: A mix of housing options at different price points caters to a wider range of incomes. This allows a region to attract businesses requiring both high-skilled and entry-level workers, fostering a more diverse and resilient economy.
- Community Development: Thriving housing markets revitalize neighborhoods and attract investment in retail, schools, and other amenities. This creates a more desirable place to live and work, further strengthening the regional economy.
The lack of affordable housing can hinder economic growth. When housing costs become excessive, businesses struggle to attract talent, and residents have less disposable income to spend locally. Therefore, regional economic development strategies often prioritize initiatives that promote a balanced and accessible housing market.
- Resources:
- Wisconsin Partnership For Housing Development
- Wisconsin Rural Housing
- Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corp. (WHPC)
- REACH Services and Resource Center: They offer various social services, including potentially some housing assistance.
- La Crosse Housing Authority: Manages subsidized housing programs and might have waitlists for rental assistance.
- Couleecap: A non-profit organization offering various social services, including potentially short-term housing assistance or referrals.
- 211 Wisconsin: This hotline connects people to essential community services, including shelters and housing resources.
- National Fair Housing Alliance: This organization fights housing discrimination.
- Northeast Iowa Community Action: Resources for communities including housing
- Bluff County HRA: Semcac Community Development Department staff provide the administration for the Bluff Country Housing and Redevelopment Authority (BCHRA), which was formed to serve Fillmore and Houston counties.