Village of Garrison

Most people agree they want a single-family home, but quality and cost of a home is critical. However, a majority believe the type of housing they want is either not available in Butler County or they are not sure it exists. When these respondents were asked what type of housing they thought was needed in Butler County, there was a variety of housing types identified; however, a key word in most of the answers was “Affordable”.

The survey and the interviews conducted with various groups had one major theme. Good (not excellent), affordable housing was a need in David City and Butler County. One additional theme is, everybody’s definition of affordable seems to be different and the definition is seriously different d e p e n d i n g up o n o n e ’ s v i e w p oi n t a n d employment/income level.

All engagement approaches seem to point to the need for multiple levels of housing availability; however, the key discussion will be focused on how to make housing affordable for everyone while providing quality livable structures.

Stakeholder Focus Group Results

On December 5, 2018 interviews were conducted with three key focus groups: Realtors, bankers and major employers. The purpose was to understand the housing market from various industry’s perspective, and how, or if, there was any impact to their business operations because of the housing market in Butler County and David City.

While the questions were tailored for each focus group, the questions followed these general themes: 1. What are the greatest housing needs in David

City and Butler County; 2. How is the housing market impacting employer and employee attraction and retention; 3. What are the biggest hurdles facing perspective renters or homebuyers; and, 4. From each focus groups perspective, what should be the housing/community development priorities of David City.

Across all three groups the common themes that emerged included:

• Additional housing needs to be developed, regardless whether it’s for-sale or for-rent; • There is a need for 3- and 4- bedroom units; • New subdivisions should be developed that are priced for middle-income professionals; and • David City needs to be more supportive towards new housing development and play a more active role in providing development opportunities.

Business Leaders Focus Group

The business leaders recognized the impact of the tight housing market, and in particular the lack of new for-sale housing available for their employees who desire to settle down within David City. While business leaders recognized the need for additional rental housing, they felt that new for-sale housing was important for the long-term stability of the community.

Some of the key challenges expressed by the business community included: • It is a challenge to find housing for new employees moving into David City. Most of the rental units have waiting lists. • It is extremely difficult to find housing for new employees with families moving into the community. There is a limited supply of appropriate housing and price can be a challenge. • It is very difficult to find new homes for people looking settle into the community long-term.

There is a lack of new housing developments that are available to those who want a new home.

During the discussion, the following priorities emerged that should be pursued to help alleviate the housing shortage and its corresponding impact on employee recruitment and retention: • Developing for-sale housing for employees who want to settle in David City and call it home for the long-term. The duplexes are good short-term solution. • The City should be more supportive or involved in new housing development. It feels like the City has taken a hands-off approach recently. • Efforts should be made to develop new housing options for young professionals, not just new housing for low- and moderate-income residents.

Bankers Focus Group

The banking community recognized the impact of the tight housing market, and the lack of new forsale housing and rental product available in Butler County and David City. There was a consensus any type of housing, rental or for-sale, needs to be developed within David City. The bankers felt that David City was well situated to not only capture those working in David City, but those who are working in near-by communities such as Columbus