A bold new initiative aimed at addressing the housing crisis in Scott County was unveiled during the Joint Work Session of the Georgetown City Council and Scott County Fiscal Court on August 26, 2025. The plan emphasizes a collaborative approach among government, non-profit organizations, and private industry to tackle emerging housing needs, focusing on affordability and accessibility.

Key to this initiative is the creation of a community-based affordable housing entity. This organization would coordinate efforts to spearhead affordable housing initiatives, ensuring that diverse housing options are available in vibrant neighborhoods close to employment centers and essential services. The proposal includes establishing a revolving land acquisition fund, supported by local banks, to facilitate the purchase of land for affordable housing projects.

The plan outlines three primary goals: first, to create a dedicated entity for affordable housing; second, to develop procedures for acquiring land from a proposed affordable housing land bank; and third, to support the establishment of non-profit community housing development organizations. These organizations would work alongside local developers to implement housing projects tailored to community needs.

Additionally, the initiative aims to protect existing housing stock and revitalize neighborhoods through targeted small area plans. These plans would involve community input to identify homes in need of rehabilitation and to seek funding for revitalization efforts.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of "missing middle housing," such as duplexes and triplexes, which are increasingly rare but crucial for meeting diverse housing needs. The plan encourages partnerships with the Kentucky Housing Corporation and developers to leverage low-income housing tax credits, a key funding mechanism for affordable housing.

As Scott County continues to grow, this comprehensive strategy seeks to ensure that all residents have access to safe, affordable housing, fostering a strong sense of community and improving living conditions across the region. The next steps will involve further discussions and decisions on the proposed initiatives, with a focus on building capacity for local government to play a more active role in housing development.