Quality affordable housing is a topic that has been widely talked about in this community, as well as others throughout the state.
County property taxes are at an all time high, leaving some residents to decide which bill they pay -taxes or prescriptions.
It begs the question, what is affordable?
To compound the issue, we have businesses that want to locate here, like Texas Roadhouse, or others that want to expand, yet they are not able to find help, because workers can’t find a place to live locally that fits within their means.
How does a growing community work with job creators to facilitate living conditions that those moving in town or wanting to work locally can afford?
You can’t expect homebuilders to provide the solution. Why would a developer defy the laws of economics and buy high only to sell low?
Can local government subsidize development? Maybe, but we recognize solutions such as lowering tap fees or giving abatements would need to be thoroughly thought out, so as not to set a precedent.
Overall, we have more questions than answers, but we think it’s important to talk about possible solutions because solving the problem that exists could be a boon for the area.
If the issue doesn’t get fixed though, it could stifle future growth the area is supposed to see over the next 10 years.