RCU Initiatives: Housing
The Randolph County UNITED mission is forward-looking: envisioning a dynamic, prosperous future and developing the plans and programs that move us steadily toward the vision. Housing is an excellent example.
Committee Members:
- Jeff Ison
- Gary Friend
- Cheryl Jones
- Eric Hanlin
- Mike Wickersham
- Liz DeHaven
- David Lenkensdofer
Housing as an Element of Future Vision
Randolph County Economic Development objectives aim at attracting new businesses that bring new jobs. The Housing Committee vision is available housing within the county to allow new residents to live in the county, ideally in the town or locale of their choice.
Long Term Planning and Execution
Expansion of available housing will be a collaborate effort among city leaders, planners, developers, construction partners and financial resources. It will include a range of home values and in some cases a mix of single- and multi-unit dwellings. Accelerating needs may involve creative solutions, for example utilization of the rapidly expanding capability of modular housing.
Housing and Education
Education is a separate Randolph County UNITED initiative but is closely connected to the subject of housing via business relocation:
- Excellence in education is integral to a community’s ability to attract relocations
- New residents mean new students with attendant requirement for school resources.
A Randolph County United function is to facilitate creation and coordination of the stakeholders who will bring these initiatives to life.
Addressing the Impact of Previous Hardship
The era of approximately 1980 to 2010 included the plant closings that resulted in economic disruption for smalll towns all across America. Randolph County, Indiana was not spared. Resultant population loss generated empty houses some of which have fallen into disrepair, some abandoned. Actively addressing this aspect of housing has multiple benefits:
- Refurbished houses become part of the available housing inventory.
- Elimination of eyesores increases home values and quality of life.
- Corporate relocation appeal increases, as remnants of past hardship are removed.
Cost of Housing as Part of Randolph County Appeal
Randolph County cost of housing is among the lowest in the nation, making favorable cost of living an attractive benefit to those considering relocation.