The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s next Eggs ‘N Issues breakfast panel will focus on the progress of regional housing initiatives.
Set for Tuesday, June 23, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Receptions Banquet and Conference Center in Erlanger, Tara Johnson-Noem, executive director of the Northern Kentucky Area Development District, moderates a discussion on the current state of income-aligned housing in the Northern Kentucky region.
Income-aligned housing is one of several terms, along with labels such as affordable housing and workforce housing, that professionals use to describe housing that is reasonably priced and affordable. The terminology has become the dominant way to frame the issue among Northern Kentucky’s business and civic leaders.
A study of housing in Northern Kentucky has revealed troubling trends for housing in the region, with the largest need being for “workforce housing” for households earning between $15 and $25 per hour, with monthly housing costs between $500 and $1,500. The region needs about 3,000 more housing units to provide for people within that income range, according to the study. The demand for one- to two-bedroom rentals and owned properties consistently exceeds their supply, while supply for three and four-bedroom properties consistently exceeds demand. The study suggests that the region needs to build 6,650 housing units to support economic development in the next five years, which equates to 1,330 units per year. Read more here.
Understanding NKY’s housing shortage
“As National Homeownership Month highlights the value of owning a home and the importance of expanding access to homeownership, this Eggs ‘N Issues comes at an especially important time,” NKY Chamber CEO Brent Cooper said in a news release. “Local leaders will discuss how housing supply, workforce demands and wages are impacting growth across the region and what those trends mean for the future of housing in Northern Kentucky. Whether you’re in business, development or community leadership, this conversation will provide valuable insight into one of the region’s most pressing challenges.”
Scheduled speakers include:
- Travis Gysegem, director of research and underwriting at The Catalytic Fund, who supports the fund’s real estate investments through spatial and data analysis, as well as research on market, demographic and policy trends.
- Brian Miller, executive vice president of the Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky, an expert in housing, workforce development and regional planning.
- Wonda Winkler, president and CEO of Brighton Center, who oversees programs focused on workforce development, affordable housing and family support services.
Registration is $35 for NKY Chamber members and $45 for non-members and walk-ins. The NKY Young Professionals rate is $30; free with NKYP Event Pass. Pre-register for the event online here.