Prescott workforce housing committee outlines policy push, seeks public input ahead of May 27 council study session

Vice Chair Kennedy opened the workforce housing forum in Prescott to explain the committee’s purpose: to summarize work-to-date, explain why workforce housing is needed, and gather public feedback.

The committee said it has been meeting since 2022 and is pursuing several coordinated steps: a housing needs assessment and implementation plan funded through a State Housing Trust Fund grant, an RFP to hire a workforce housing consultant, and sample policy language the committee plans to present to City Council on May 27.

"We have a needs assessment and housing plan. Those are in process, thanks to the grant from the State Housing Trust Fund," Member Luther Kratzberger said, describing work to quantify unit needs and coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions.

Member Randy Goodman said the committee is also focused on short-term, pragmatic measures, including revising accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules so existing units can provide immediate housing for workers, and preparing informational packets for both developers and potential tenants.

"Currently, guest houses aren't legal in our codes to rent full time in the city," Goodman said. "If we were to get that approved by council, then that could immediately open up some housing for our workforce right away. We wouldn't have to build anything."

Amber (staff member) told the forum the city applied for and received a $200,000 grant from the State Housing Trust Fund to pay for the housing needs assessment and a build- and implementation-ready plan.

"We got $200,000. It's for a housing plan, needs assessment and a housing plan building and implementation plan," Amber said. The committee said consultants responding to the city’s RFP will help finalize that plan and the implementation steps.

Committee members emphasized that multiple solutions are needed. Suggestions discussed during the Q&A included employer-assisted housing and down-payment assistance. Goodman described a conceptual down-payment-assistance model in which new hires (for example, a police officer after probation) would receive help and repay it over a defined period to encourage retention.

"If we can retain that person, we save that money, the training money that we spent, and we keep a good employee," Goodman said, noting the police department had been recruiting with limited applicant pools.

Speakers and staff reiterated that public input will matter at the May 27 study session and urged residents and employers to attend and to use the Participate Prescott portal and the forum survey. The committee said planning documents and video recordings of meetings will be posted online and that committee meetings are held monthly.

The meeting closed with committee members offering to speak one-on-one with attendees after adjournment.

Why it matters: Committee members said workforce housing affects public safety, health care, education and local businesses because employees who are unable to find housing locally can increase turnover and service gaps. The committee framed the May 27 council study session as the next important milestone for policy consideration.