Fort Scott, KS — Over the past several months, Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc. based in Fort Scott has undertaken several projects simultaneously to better understand the region's economic needs. One of those projects was an in-depth review of housing in Bourbon County.
The study looked at what type of housing and at what price points are needed in the various communities that make up Bourbon County. "Housing is a very important part of our local economy," said Robert Harrington, Executive Director of Bourbon County REDI. "We needed to understand how this will tie into our efforts to increase economic opportunity in the community."
The housing assessment relied on a combination of data from leading statistical sources in the housing market, information obtained from an electronic survey distributed to county residents, and individual contributions from various stakeholders in the community. "Input from residents of Bourbon County as to what their future housing needs is important to the overall project," said David Gaines, Managing Director of Goldstone Consulting Group, the firm that completed the study. "Future housing development is best done when the residents have an input into what they believe will be needed in the future."
"The completion of the housing assessment is the third project to tie important data together to guide our economic development efforts", said Harrington. "Without having housing options, it is more difficult to support increased employment for our employers in Bourbon County."
Bourbon County REDI earlier undertook a Community Retail Needs Assessment. "The retail study has really helped our organization start several important conversations with current and future retailers. We feel that the new Housing Study will have the same effect with realtors and housing developers," said Harrington.
Workforce and the training of the future workforce have also been a focus of the Bourbon County REDI team this year. "We have been working with O'Brian & Associates to determine what our employers are needing in a skilled workforce," said Harrington. "Together with housing and retail, a skilled workforce will help in expanding Bourbon County's economy to the benefit of the residents and the region surrounding us."
A public meeting is being planned in the near for those interested in housing development in Bourbon County. They will learn where the opportunities are to improve housing options in the community.
For a copy of the Bourbon County Community Housing Assessment, contact Bourbon County Regional Economic Development at 1-620-644-7967.