Study: Prescott needs more "missing middle" housing to keep workers in town

The Prescott City Council heard findings Sept. 9 from a city-funded housing needs assessment that identified a shortage of “missing middle” housing and rising costs that make it difficult for many local workers to live in Prescott. Michael McGinnis of the Community Development Department introduced Rick Merritt, president of Pollock & Company, who summarized the study. The assessment found home prices and rents have risen sharply since 2019, vacancy rates remain low and many workers — including teachers, first responders and retail employees — earn too much to qualify for subsidized housing yet too little to afford the typical market-rate units. “We talk a lot about housing, and workforce, or missing middle housing is really what we're focusing on,” Merritt said. The study notes Prescott’s median household income falls…