Winneshiek County housing needs assessment data to be shared at public meetings

Winneshiek County is conducting a housing needs assessment with assistance from Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission. The housing needs assessment began in December and is almost complete. The study includes data, projections, and recommendations for action.

The housing needs assessment study utilized data collected from the census and the County Assessor's Office such as property age, condition rating, and assessed value. In addition, data was also collected to determine the percentage of Winneshiek County residents who spend more than 30% of their income on housing. The results were then displayed on a map to visually display where there is a need for affordable housing.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend the upcoming public open houses to view the findings from the assessment, and to share their comments and ideas. There are four separate opportunities to participate in the housing needs assessment:

October 2nd: 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the Ossian City Hall, 123 West Main Street, Ossian

November 1st: 5:00p.m. until  6:00 p.m.at the Calmar Fire station meeting room, 101 Charles Street, Calmar

November 6th: 4:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the Decorah City Hall, 400 Claiborne Drive, Decorah

November 7th: 7:00p.m. until  8:00 p.m. at the Spillville Public Library, 201 Oak Street, Spillville