More housing survey results needed! Final week to participate in housing survey used in community development

by Lissa Blake

The deadline to weigh in on housing needs in Allamakee County is fast approaching, and organizers need more input from across the county.

“Whether you live, work or own a business in Allamakee County, we need to hear from you,” said Val Reinke, executive director of Allamakee County Economic Development and Tourism.

Reinke explained each county in Iowa is required to do a housing study every five years.

“We use this data to work with developers, city councils and builders, and to apply for programs,” said Reinke, adding, “The first thing they ask us is to see our housing study.”  

So far, only 200 people have responded to the current survey, which has a deadline of Tuesday, October 31.

“We need input from every community in the county… people who rent, people who own, people who come to the county for work. Housing is a real issue here,” she said.

Reinke explained the survey will help to assess both housing availability and needs in each community, in the hopes of identifying solutions in each area.

“We want to hear from all demographics,” she said.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SURVEY
There are several ways to access the Allamakee County housing study survey. These include: going directly to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V8LDVL8, following the link at www.uerpc.org or www.allamakeecounty.com, or using the QR code accompanying this article.

To submit  questions or thoughts about the survey or to order a hard copy, contact Michelle Barness, regional planner with Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission at 563-419-6243 or mbarness@uerpc.org; or Reinke at 563-568-2624 or allamakeecountyedt@gmail.com. To view the results of the survey as they are recorded, visit https://uerpc.org/allamakee-county-housing-study/.