Availability of Affordable Housing
Ruth Freeman and Craig Hertel

Problem:
Housing has long been identified as a need in Greene County. The 1998-1999 Housing Needs Assessment completed by Region XII reaffirmed the need for additional housing. The 2000 census showed that 241 homes were built in the county from 1990 to 2000, while 3093 homes were listed as over 40 years old. During the 2003 and 2004 Greene County Economic Development group's industrial retention visits, housing was again identified as a need for industrial retention and expansion in the county. The 2005 Jefferson City Strategic Planning process identified housing as the number one need. If Greene County is to grow, housing needs must be addressed.

Response:
ISU Extension provides leadership for the Greene County Economic Development Corporation (GCDC) Housing Committee. The committee is a fluid group made up of two members of the Board of Supervisors, two Jefferson City Council members, a contractor/developer, a realtor, 5 bankers, a concerned citizen, a utility company representative, a local employer, the Jefferson City Administrator, 2 ISUE P&S staff, the Economic Development Director and their marketing person. Representatives from various agencies – like USDA Rural Development and Region XII - interested in housing, work with us at different times.

Impact:

• The Jefferson City Council was educated on Tax Increment Financing (TIF) as an outgrowth of the work of the GCDC Housing Committee. In 2004 Jefferson implemented a TIF rebate policy for housing to aid in future housing developments.
• Lenders and realtors learned more about programs available through Region XII for low and moderate income first time home buyers as an outgrowth of the Housing Committee's work.
• First home purchased 10/29/05 for back taxes. After inspection and removal of asbestos, GCDC offered the bare lot to local builders on 3/1/05 for construction of either an energy efficient stick built or modular home of 1500 sq.ft. Builders have 60 days to submit proposals. Region XII offers some incentives.
• On 11/18/04, twenty-six participants learned about purchasing or building a home in Greene County during the first GCDC Housing Fair. Three local banks, three insurance agencies, the realtors of the multiple listing service, ISU Extension, Region XII, USDA Rural Development, the Chamber, and others answered questions to help participants make informed decisions. Plan to repeat in the future.
• As a result of the Jefferson City Strategic Plan development – 12/2004, the need for comfortable rental apartments was identified. On 1/25/05, the housing committee began exploring possibilities.
• On 12/15/04 a local developer purchased 120 acres of ground to provide a higher end sub-division for over 50 homes. These lots will allow professionals from local business and industry to live in Greene County rather than commuting here to work. Some current home owners are expected to build and then sell their more affordable current homes, thus expanding available housing. The City Council approved the annexation request.
• The Jefferson City Council revitalized its Planning and Zoning Committee and hired a building inspector on 3/8/05 to insure code compliance for new construction, remodeling and rentals.
• The feasibility of an affordable subdivision on the east side of town and rental units are being explored.
• The committee continues to look for a home to rehab with available grant funds. Each time a home was spotted for rehab, it has been sold to a private person, who is rehabbing the structure.
• A county wide survey was conducted from March 15 to 22, 2005 to learn more about housing needs.

Contact:
Ruth Freeman
Family Resource Management Field Specialist
104 W. Washington Street
Jefferson, Iowa 50129-1920
Phone 515-386-2138
Fax 515-386-3884
E-mail rofreema@iastate.edu