Study unveiled at The State of Kenosha County Housing event provides data-driven roadmap for addressing future housing needs
[Kenosha, WI] – A comprehensive study examining the housing needs and opportunities across Kenosha County is now available following its unveiling at The State of Kenosha County Housing event on September 15.
Commissioned by the Kenosha Area Business Alliance (KABA), funded by Kenosha County, and prepared by nationally recognized housing market consultant Tracy Cross & Associates, the Kenosha County Comprehensive Housing Study and Needs Assessment provides a data-driven roadmap for the county’s housing needs over the next five to 10 years.
The study examines the types of housing needed across Kenosha County, where housing is needed most, appropriate price points and rental rates, and strategies for bringing new housing development to market. The findings are intended to provide a valuable resource for municipalities, developers, employers, elected officials and community leaders as they work together to address housing needs and support continued growth across the county.
“The Kenosha County Housing Task Force, which has been studying this issue for nearly two years, sought out hard, informed data to help guide its work, and this study provides it,” said Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman, who sponsored the creation of the report. “We know that there is a significant need for
additional housing for people across income levels, particularly as our economic development landscape continues to grow. The study findings will be a valuable tool in developing strategies to encourage the housing development that we need.”
The study was unveiled by Tracy Cross & Associates President and CEO Erik Doersching during The State of Kenosha County Housing, hosted by the Kenosha County Housing Task Force. The event brought together community leaders, developers, employers, municipal partners and other stakeholders to learn more about the findings and discuss their implications for the county’s future.
Housing is an important component of Kenosha County’s continued economic growth. The Housing Task Force notes that a strong housing supply is critical to attracting and retaining the talent needed to support the county’s growing economy. The Task Force also points to a significant gap between housing production and the demand created by the county’s growth.
The Kenosha County Housing Task Force is co-led by Kenosha County and KABA and brings together developers, municipal and nonprofit leaders, financing specialists, real estate professionals and community members focused on promoting increased housing options throughout the county.
“Housing is an important piece of our region’s ability to attract and retain a strong workforce and support continued economic growth,” said Nicole Ryf, President of the Kenosha Area Business Alliance. “This study gives us a clearer picture of the housing needs across Kenosha County and, importantly, provides data and strategies that can help our communities, developers, employers and other partners work together to address those needs. We now have a strong foundation for continued collaboration and action as we plan for Kenosha County’s future.”
The full Comprehensive Housing Study, presentation slides and a video recording from the September 15 event, participant survey responses, and additional housing resources are now available through the Kenosha County Housing Task Force website: https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/HousingTaskForce.
