Yesterday, a center focused on emerging housing affordability issues launched in Northwest Arkansas.
Teachers, firefighters, health care workers, manufacturing workers and other residents face increasing obstacles in finding housing at affordable rates.
Many Northwest Arkansas residents choose to live away from the region’s core cities due to lower housing costs in outlying areas. Any savings on housing costs by choosing to live outside city centers can be offset by higher transportation costs and increased commute time, making it difficult for people to become engaged in the communities where they work.
The center will promote the development of well-designed housing options and mixed-income neighborhoods in proximity to employment centers, lifestyle amenities and core services.
The workforce housing center will be incubated at the Northwest Arkansas Council with initial support from the Walton Family Foundation. A national search for a director is underway.
The Council plans to engage cities, school districts, churches, homebuilders, banks, large employers and nonprofit organizations to make a lasting impact.
