LaPorte County Plan Commission adopts housing analysis to support future grant eligibility

The LaPorte County Plan Commission voted Nov. 25 to adopt the county—s housing analysis and action agenda, an updated study commissioners said will guide housing strategies and help the county qualify for future grant programs. The resolution passed by voice vote after commissioners discussed the report—s origins and role.

Commissioners said the document updates a 2021 study originally crafted with the LaPorte Health Foundation and incorporates new data sets and recommendations for housing types, sizes and rental needs. A commission member who reviewed the report said it was "very thorough" and another commissioner recommended the commission adopt it to support future grant applications.

Staff said consultants preparing the county—s 20-year comprehensive plan will receive the document so its data and recommendations can be considered during the plan update expected next summer. The commission noted adoption is often a prerequisite for some grant programs and that passing the resolution makes the county more competitive for later grant rounds.

A motion to adopt the resolution was made and seconded; the chair called for the ayes and the motion carried. Commissioners said the adopted document would be posted and shared with the consulting team revising the comprehensive plan.

The commission took no additional formal action on the document at the meeting; the adoption formalizes the county—s updated housing analysis and positions staff to use it in future planning and grant application work.