Beth Schrader, a planner with SEH, presented an update to Unity Foundation's 2021 housing analysis and action plan, summarizing why La Porte County needs a broader spectrum of housing types and targeted policies to encourage household formation.

Schrader said the county has shifted toward more one‑ and two‑person households and noted a mismatch between that trend and the existing housing stock. The 2021 study originally estimated roughly 5,700 new units by 2030 as a locally set goal; the updated analysis adds two growth scenarios — a 'maintain population' scenario and an 'aspirational growth' scenario — and recommends actions to encourage smaller homes, townhomes and senior‑friendly units, plus infrastructure and zoning changes to unlock housing‑ready land.

She recommended six focus areas: adopt and implement a growth mindset; build a spectrum of housing types; establish a housing trust fund; support commercial centers with dense walkable housing; manage growth at the edge; and continue the conversation with regional partners. Schrader noted the full study is posted on the Unity Foundation website and said the consultant team and funders (including Lilly Foundation support for the update) are available for follow‑up questions.

Council members thanked Schrader for the data, noting the update will inform decisions on specific proposals such as the BriarLeaf site.

Ending: The housing study update served as context for later agenda items; council members encouraged continuing the conversation and tracking permitting and building permit metrics as indicators of progress.