Purpose

This project seeks to proactively engage communities before specific housing proposals are on the table and thereby shift the conversation from a “yes / no” proposition to proactive problem-solving and consensus-building. By fostering understanding, building local capacity, and facilitating collaboration, "Housing Forward Communities" seeks to empower local communities to become agents of change in addressing their own housing needs.

Goals

Build Local Consensus and Capacity for Workforce Housing

Proactively engaging residents and officials to understand housing needs, address concerns, and foster a "Housing Forward" mindset, ultimately empowering communities to take ownership of finding solutions.

Connect Communities with Expertise and Resources

Bridging the gap between local needs and external support by providing access to statewide housing expertise, funding opportunities, and proven strategies to facilitate the development of appropriate housing.

Foster Collaboration and Mutual Understanding

Creating open communication channels and a platform for dialogue between residents, local governments, and housing developers to ensure that housing solutions are community-appropriate and meet diverse needs.

Strategy

The Housing Forward Communities project employs a multi-faceted approach to build consensus and advance workforce housing in Franklin County. Key activities include:

Community Housing Conversations:

Three interactive public sessions in each participating municipality. These sessions are designed to:

  • Listen: Begin by gathering community perspectives, concerns, and priorities related to housing through open discussions and feedback mechanisms.

  • Reframe & Build Consensus: Address concerns, provide clarity on different housing types, and work towards identifying shared community values and a common understanding of local housing needs.

  • Action Planning: Explore potential solutions and strategies for attracting community-appropriate housing, and initiate the formation of local Housing Action Committees.

Local Housing Action Committees:

Each community will establish a Housing Action Committee composed of diverse community stakeholders. These committees will:

  • Serve as a dedicated local group focused on understanding and addressing housing issues.

  • Meet regularly to discuss local needs, review information, and develop potential strategies.

  • Act as local champions for housing initiatives within their communities.

  • Receive ongoing technical assistance and support from the Housing Forward Communities project team.

Housing Forward Resolutions:

We will support each participating municipality in developing and adopting a Housing Forward Resolution. This document will:

  • Outline the community's consensus values and priorities related to housing.

  • Serve as a guiding framework for future planning decisions and the evaluation of potential housing developments.

  • Demonstrate the community's commitment to addressing its housing needs in a thoughtful and proactive way.

Regional Housing Workshops:

We will organize and host Regional Housing Workshops for members of the Housing Action Committees and interested individuals from across Franklin County. These workshops will:

  • Bring together local stakeholders with housing professionals and statewide experts.

  • Provide opportunities to learn about successful housing strategies, funding sources, and best practices.

  • Facilitate networking and collaboration between different communities in the region.

  • Incorporate the perspectives and expertise of housing developers to foster better understanding and potential partnerships.