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.
Our region, according to a housing strategies report released in 2025, lacks sufficient housing for young adults forming their first household; for essential workers like nurses, teachers and first responders; and for older adults. A teacher with a median annual income of $43,740, for example, can afford only 26% of the rental and 16% of the for-sale housing in the region, according to the report. For a restaurant server, only 1% of the region’s rental housing is affordable.
An older person relying on Social Security can also afford only 1% of rental housing in the region, according to the report.
The report, called Home for All: Northern Kentucky Housing Strategies, came to be thanks to more than 90 leaders and experts from across NKY who spent hours studying the region and its urgent housing challenge. Their goal was to close the housing gap across income levels and provide a place for everyone.
Click here to learn more about the shortage and how NKY leaders and community members are stepping in to find solutions.
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.
