KINGMAN – A long-awaited Mojave County housing study is in development and could be presented to Mojave County supervisors in May, a member of the board of directors for the county housing authority said Monday in Kingman. quarterly meeting.
“We’ve been working on this for quite some time,” said Michael Smith, Director of Community Services. Currently in progress. Smith cautioned that the research is still evolving. “What that looks like is, we’re looking at the county as a whole, and within that, we’re looking at different projects that we can do,” he said.
“We are looking at Live Tech. We are looking at development, where our water supply is, and different things of that nature for growth, and different things that are done within housing research. So it’s going to be a full housing survey and we definitely plan to bring it back to the board. should be ready for submission to the board, Smith continued.
All five members of the Mojave County Board of Supervisors, along with Sally Diell and Linda Sadler, serve on the Housing Authority Board. Mojave County Clerk Ginny Anderson is also a Commission Clerk.
Supervisor Gene Bishop asked Smith to elaborate a little more on housing research. “This will be an opportunity to really identify gaps and needs assessments,” said Smith. “…when you think about ordinary housing, there is a gap between those who can It’s somewhere between 120% and the regional median income — that’s where you typically see the workforce gap,” says Smith.
“…an important reason is that addressing these needs will allow us to attract more workers here in Mojave County. Second, if you can do that, you’ll also be localized, and if the board so chooses, you can apply for the low-income housing tax credit. If the association does not decide to do so, community members can do so too.There is no need to go through the county. will be.”
Bishop asked what avenues could be considered for affordable housing. Smith said that everything was on the table. You’re looking at the house,” Smith said. “So they will look to stick making, manufacturing, small houses, where they should be developed, etc.”
Supervisor Travis Lingenfelter noted that the cities of Lake Havasu and Kingman are conducting separate housing surveys.
“I just want to make sure you’re trying to incorporate their research,” he said, pointing to Smith for comment. , you’ll want to incorporate their research, it’ll be a little more precise in their field.”
“I think it would be great to do a county-wide study,” added Lingenfelter.
“I totally agree with you,” Smith said, adding that he’s already working with people involved in these city-specific housing studies. And when I reach out (I’m familiar with that organization) I will send it to (request for proposal) and I will definitely use that information as well.”
Smith hopes the study will be completed by the end of April, announcing it “in May” at one of the oversight board meetings scheduled for that month. It will be held on the 15th.
