Housing challenges are affecting economic growth, talent attraction, and quality of life across Kentucky, according to feedback gathered from more than 100 community leaders who participated in the Kentucky Chamber’s housing listening tour.
Throughout July, the Kentucky Chamber, in partnership with the Home Builders Association of Kentucky and Kentucky Realtors, held listening sessions on housing across six regions of the state. Chamber staff facilitated the discussions, using live polling to gauge participants’ views on how housing challenges impact economic growth, talent attraction, and quality of life. More than three-fourths of participants said they were concerned that housing challenges could lead more young adults to leave their communities and slow future growth.
Participants also expressed concerns about their communities’ ability to accommodate economic growth, with large majorities saying it would be difficult to provide the housing necessary to support a major job announcement.
The results of the listening sessions will be published in a report this fall from the Kentucky Chamber Center for Policy and Research, in partnership with the Home Builders Association of Kentucky and Kentucky Realtors.
“Housing has become a significant challenge for economic growth in Kentucky,” said Kentucky Chamber President and CEO Ashli Watts. “Community leaders across the state are concerned about whether they have the housing needed to support business investment and population growth. Their feedback underscores the need for Kentucky to address this issue.”
“Communities across Kentucky are telling us they need more housing to support job growth and attract new residents, and builders are ready to be part of the solution,” said Home Builders Association of Kentucky CEO and EVP Anetha Sanford. “The need is immediate and addressing it will require collaboration among the housing industry, business leaders, communities, and policymakers. This work will help ensure Kentucky is prepared to build the homes needed for continued growth.”
“Realtors see every day how a limited supply of housing affects home buyers and working families,” said Kentucky Realtors CEO Josh Summers. “Kentucky needs more homes and a wider range of housing options to meet people where they are, whether they are buying their first home, growing their family, or moving for a new job. We appreciate the opportunity to partner with the Kentucky Chamber and the Home Builders Association of Kentucky to bring those experiences into the broader conversation about Kentucky’s economic future.”
The forthcoming report will build on the Chamber’s 2024 report, Building a Foundation for Growth, which highlighted the state’s housing challenges and outlined recommendations for policy solutions. The new report will provide updated information on Kentucky’s housing challenges, examine approaches taken by other states, and offer recommendations for state policymakers.
Learn more at kychamber.com/housing.
Be the first to comment on "Kentucky Chamber Engages Local Leaders Across the State on Housing Challenges"