2. MetroCOG workforce housing study

'I Introduction This report is the result of an effort initiated by the Workforce Housing Coalition in 2005, to focus attention on the issues surrounding lower income individuals and the vital role they play in ensuring the continued growth of the economy by filling key jobs. The Coalition represents the coming together of a wide range of public and private leaders. It includes: elected officials and planning staff from the four metro cities of Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead and Dilworth and from Cass and Clay counties; housing industry representatives from Bremer Bank, the Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead, the Fargo-Moorhead Chamber of Commerce; staff and board members of public housing and redevelopment authorities, and representatives of several nonprofit agencies whose missions are to address the needs of lower income citizens. In July 2005, responding to the desires of its member communities, the Fargo- Moorhead Metropolitan Council of Government (Metro COG) officially assumed the role as staff to the Workforce Housing Coalition. The Metro COG was further granted project management responsibility for the preparation of a regional workforce housing profile and study. The study includes the following: ~ A snapshot of demographics, job growth, employment patterns and relationship of jobs and housing; ~ Current and future projected workforce housing demand; ~ Identification of barriers which may be limited the production of workforce housing in the metro area; ~ Identification of gaps in the metro housing market, e.g. housing demand not being met by the private sector; ~ Perceptions and input on workforce housing; ~ Responses from public and private sector stakeholders on potential strategies and solutions. Linda S, Donncily. ;\.1,('.1'. ;\ ugllsl 2006