RECENT EVENTS

September 25, 2007 Business Roundtable

 

Focus on Workforce Housing

 

Workforce Housing was the topic of the DeKalb County EDC Business Roundtable. The event was held at Kishwaukee College’s BID Conference Center with an audience of 85 participants.

Presentations by Dr. Robert Gleeson - NIU Center for Governmental Studies, William Braun - Cushman & Wakefield and Steve Hovany - Strategy Planning Associates reviewed the need for a range of price and type of housing to supply a reliable supply of workers as business grows in the County.

Dr. Gleeson began the presentations by talking about core issues in economic development. He then reviewed Census Bureau numbers that showed where DeKalb County workers live in relation to work. Finally he discussed the relationship between jobs and needed housing noting that rate of pay is a key factor in determining the type of housing required for the work force.

William Braun was next to present, and he talked about what developers look for when selecting sites. Land availability, uncongested transportation routes and available workforce are key determining factors. Housing links to the available workforce component. He referenced a study Cushman & Wakefield did a few years ago which examined worker availability and the issue of housing.

Finally Steve Hovany gave an overview of population growth and related it to the housing market. The current housing slowdown has taken us back to pre-2005 levels with approximately 50% of that year’s housing permits issued in 2007. In dollars this translates to about a $250 million loss, a significant economic impact.

Dr. Robert Gleeson gives his presentation	The presenters answer audience questions
Roger Hopkins talks with Chuck Vaccarello of Murray Properties	Michael Flora and Dave Juday speak after the presentations