Hamilton County housing is becoming less affordable to more people, and without some real changes, businesses here will find it increasingly difficult to find and keep employees.
These findings and more from Greenstreet, Ltd., will be released at HAND’s 2022 Suburban Housing Conference beginning at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, May 4. The daylong event, presented by the Hamilton County Community Foundation, will be held at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in Noblesville.
This year’s conference will unveil the results of a Hamilton County housing study commissioned by the Hamilton County Housing Collaborative (HCHC). For example, the data shows that 18,735 low- and moderate-income households here are spending more than the recommended 30 percent of their income on housing, reducing funds available for other necessities. And rising housing costs also impact households earning more than the area median income. A family earning $97,920 annually, for example, can afford just 28 percent of new homes here and only 12 percent of current listings.
In addition to being the first to see study results, conference attendees will hear from local developers and urban planners about efforts to create a housing continuum in Hamilton County, and they’ll explore some specific strategies during interactive afternoon workshops.
Davis
“The Housing Collaborative believes that Hamilton County should have a full range of housing attainable for anyone who wants to call Hamilton County home – during every stage of their lives,” said HAND Executive Director Andrea Davis. “Without a diverse housing inventory, the county risks its ability to expand its workforce, attract young adults looking for a place to settle, and keep seniors in their community of choice.”
At the conference, more than a dozen local leaders in the housing and economic development fields will dig into specific parts of the study. Every participant will leave the day understanding the need for more diverse and attainable housing, as well as actions they can take.
“Housing is one of the keys to the county’s economic well-being,” Davis said.
For the full conference agenda, cost, and sponsorship information, and to register, visit handincorporated.org/events/2022-housing-conference.
About HAND Inc.
Founded in 1993, HAND Inc. invests in neighborhoods, provides housing solutions, and builds partnerships to improve the lives and build community in Hamilton County. HAND owns eight affordable apartment communities with a total of 137 units in Hamilton and Boone counties. It also is the staffing organization for the Hamilton County Housing Collaborative (HCHC), a group of 40 organizations improving housing options for all. Aspire, Family Promise of Hamilton County, HAND, Noblesville Housing Authority, and Westfield Washington Township are the founding organizations of HCHC.