Group wants input on 10-year Housing Study

COMMUNITY IMPACTS

The study may help communities identify grant opportunities, matching needs, or other public-private strategies, but any future decisions would rest with the individual governing bodies. The study gives us significantly more information from which to compete for outside funding/grants.”

Emily Benjamin, CEO Lee County Economic Development Group

LEE COUNTY – A small group of economic development and real estate specialists will be presenting some updated information on the Lee County housing situation next week.
According to Emily Benjamin, CEO/President of Lee County Economic Development, three presentations will be made on Monday, one each in Keokuk, Fort Madison, and Donnellson, in that order.
The Keokuk presentation will take place at 9 a.m. at Keokuk City Hall at 501 Main Street. The group will then move to Fort Madison City Hall at 811 Avenue E, for a 2 p.m. meeting and then on to Donnellson at 414 N. Main Street for a meeting at 5:30 p.m.
Community members are invited to attend one of the three public presentations to learn about the findings and recommendations from the recent housing study.
The presentations will provide an overview of current housing conditions, identified needs throughout the county, and strategies to support future residential development and community growth. Residents, business leaders, developers, elected officials, and anyone interested in the future of housing in Lee County are encouraged to attend.
Lee County’s previous housing study was completed nearly 10 years ago.
Benjamin said accurate, current housing data is essential to understanding the types, locations, and price points of housing needed across the county. The study will help inform residential development strategies, public and private investment decisions, and funding priorities at both the city and county levels.
Benjamin said no funding request from local governments has yet been made.
“The study may help communities identify grant opportunities, matching needs, or other public-private strategies, but any future decisions would rest with the individual governing bodies,” she said.
“The study gives us significantly more information from which to compete for outside funding/grants.”
She said the study points to steps forward in Lee County, but also changing economic impacts.
“There has been progress since the last study, but conditions have changed significantly over nearly 10 years. One tricky factor about housing in rural communities lies in the age and condition of housing stock, for every new home built, there are likely a couple deteriorating or in need of significant reinvestment.”
Following the presentations, community members will be invited to participate in action committees focused on advancing the goals and strategies identified in the study. These committees will help build local ownership of the recommendations and continue the work of turning the study’s findings into meaningful progress.
Lee County Economic Development Group partnered with Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission to identify the planning and consulting firm best suited to lead the project. RDG Planning & Design was selected in January, and data collection began in February.
The firm’s work was guided by a local steering committee representing communities and organizations throughout Lee County. Steering committee members included Tim Peevler, Rebecca Schau, Jim Ferneau, Laura Liegois, Michael Morhfeld, Jesse Caston, Emily Benjamin, Tim Gobble, Becky Vogel, Joseph Grabowski, and Zach James.
The $50,000 study was made possible through financial support from Koch Fertilizer, which provided the majority of the project funding. Alliant Energy and MidAmerican Energy also contributed, with additional funding provided through the Lee County Economic Development Group’s capital campaign and staff resources.
Benjamin said the study steering committee was kept small to encourage the most robust discussion after consulting with other communities who have done recent studies for best practices.
“The next phase will include broader community participation through action committees,” she said.
Benjamin said LCEDG talks with large employers about housing during retention and expansion visits and most identify it as a workforce issue.
 The Lee County Housing Study provides an updated assessment of the county’s housing supply, market conditions, development opportunities, and future needs. Its findings will support efforts to attract and retain workers, encourage residential investment, strengthen communities, and promote long-term economic growth throughout Lee County.