CEP releases a Comprehensive Housing Analysis

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Champaign County community leaders have released Open for Business: Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis for Champaign County, Ohio.

This study provides an in-depth analysis of the market rate and affordable housing markets in Champaign County and its four largest communities: the City of Urbana and the Villages of Mechanicsburg, North Lewisburg and St. Paris.

“Although this study was conducted and completed just before the COVID-19 crisis began to grip Champaign County and the state, its findings and recommendations will be even more relevant after the crisis subsides and we return to business as usual,” said Marcia Bailey, Executive Director of the Champaign Economic Partnership.

The Champaign Economic Partnership commissioned the study, which was conducted by the Greater Ohio Policy Center. A multi-sector Advisory Committee representing government and private sector leaders from each of the four focus areas advised on the research. As part of the report release, two public meetings were held February 14, 2020 and March 2, 2020, where residents were able to provide feedback on the findings and recommendations. Over 60 unique individuals attended these meetings.

“Before the COVID-19 crisis, we were heartened by the recent project investments and downtown rehab activity in Urbana and the villages. More, now than ever, we believe that Champaign County has the community spirit and commitment needed to coordinate and leverage resources for new housing projects in the future,” said Alison Goebel, Executive Director of the Greater Ohio Policy Center.

“Our research indicates that nearly all housing development in recent years has occurred outside of existing municipal boundaries. However, we believe the recommendations in Open for Business will help preserve existing housing stock and encourage new development within the county’s city and villages,” said Maria Walliser-Wejebe, the report’s primary author.

Open for Business makes 23 recommendations, organized in 6 focus areas, that build on existing assets to enhance housing in Champaign County’s communities. The focus areas are:

· Rally Stakeholders and Sustain Commitment

· Prioritize Downtowns and Main Streets

· Open for Business: Ensure Local Governments are Strong Partners to Development

· Protect Existing Stock and Prevent It from Declining

· Tap Into Creative, Patient, Financing Strategies

· Maintain Affordability

The full Open for Business housing study – with Executive Summary – can be found here: www.cepohio.com

About Champaign Economic Partnership

To stimulate economic growth throughout Champaign County by strengthening the county’s competitive position and facilitating investments that build capacity with existing businesses, create jobs, generate economic opportunity and improve quality of life.

The Champaign Economic Partnership is an agency created to be the champion for consultants and companies. It is a private/public partnership with 70% of its board members coming from the private industry. The Champaign Economic Partnership works with local government to speed projects through the system.

About Greater Ohio Policy Center

Greater Ohio Policy Center (GOPC) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization with a mission to improve Ohio’s communities through smart growth strategies and research. Our vision is a revitalized Ohio. We undertake original research and analysis, develop pragmatic policy recommendations and advocacy strategies, and deploy our convening power to meet the needs of Ohio’s local change-makers. We operate statewide.

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Submitted story

-Data show county’s communities are stable, with opportunities to build on a strong base

Information from Champaign Economic Partnership.

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