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CEDA presents housing study to Truman council, urges more rental units and rehab programs
Summary
At an Aug. 19 work session, consultants from Community and Economic Development Associates presented a housing study finding Truman's population likely to remain steady, median age 33, median income below county and state levels, and recommended adding rental units, rental licensing, rehab programs and targeted grants. No formal action was taken.
Annie Nichols and Dave Schmidt of Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) presented a housing study to the Truman City Council at a work session held Aug. 19, 2024, at the Municipal Building Fire Hall. The session began at 5:00 p.m.; Mayor Jake Ebert and councilors Chris Mosloski, Patty Truax, Brian Nickerson and Ron Kelley were present.
The consultants said the study used a resident survey, a visual housing-condition survey and input from a steering committee and other resources to assess local housing needs. Among the findings reported were that Truman’s population is expected to remain steady in the near term and that the median age has declined to 33, which the presenters attributed to an influx of younger residents. The study also reported that the local median income is lower than the county and state averages, which could limit affordability for new construction.
The report found that about 80% of homes inspected were in good condition on the exterior. The consultants said the study reported an unemployment figure of 0.2%; that figure appears in the study materials presented at the session and has not been independently verified in the minutes.
CEDA’s recommendations included providing entrepreneurial support to stimulate local business development; increasing rental housing by constructing four additional units; and expanding the stock of first-time homebuyer housing. The consultants also pointed to financing and rehabilitation resources available through the Small Cities Development Program, the Martin County Economic Development Authority (EDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture programs.
On rental standards, the presenters recommended creating a rental licensing and inspection program to help maintain rental-unit quality and to protect both renters and landlords, but they cautioned that the program’s success would depend on carefully crafted policy language. They also suggested the city publish a list of local contractors to help residents access maintenance and construction services.
For implementation, CEDA offered a phased timeline: ‘‘critical’’ and ‘‘important’’ priorities could be addressed within one to five years, while other desirable actions might take five to ten years. The minutes record no formal motions, votes or direction to adopt the study’s recommendations during the work session.
The work session concluded at 5:31 p.m.; the minutes were signed by City Clerk/Treasurer Melissa Sirovy.
