Workforce housing is essentially middle-income housing. According to the U. But once potential employees are roped into the organization, their natural next step is to look for housing, she said. Oregon is subject to a statewide housing shortage, and Corvallis is no exception β it may even be the poster child. Tina Kotek, the city has a need for 5, more housing units to be built over the next decade. Based on income data and the rule of thumb that a house should cost about 3.
Even the executive director of the local chamber of commerce resigned, citing the expense of living in Corvallis. And when homes go up for sale, she said that young professionals are outbid by other buyers who have cash and are likely retired or hold senior positions at their place of employment. They boast upgraded amenities and appliances and are close to necessities such as the grocery store and the bus line, Higgins said. Two employees have already claimed spots, leaving two units available.
Higgins said there was some hesitation from current workers about having an employer own their house. Like Higgins, Noss said he is motivated by the rising cost of housing in Corvallis, as well as the value he sees in employees being able to live and work in the same community. Commuting also makes it difficult for employees to participate in evening or weekend activities, she added. According to Bilotta, 17, individuals commute into Corvallis for work, and about 2, of them are commuting due to the housing shortage.
Only 11, individuals both live and work in Corvallis. Overall, Higgins said, a lack of adequate housing for young professionals impacts the community negatively. For example, the Corvallis School District is currently seeing a decrease in enrollment, and by more than was projected. Why does it matter? Besides the impact on the school district β which receives less financial support for the smaller attendance numbers β it makes the community as a whole less competitive, Higgins said.
Bilotta said via email that Corvallis and Albany have similar amounts of vacant land zoned for multifamily-style homes like townhouses and apartments, and their production outcomes are similar. This, he said, is likely an issue from the half-century that Corvallis had voter-approved annexation in place. Higgins sees the townhouse project as a pilot and a potential path forward for the city. By Ella Hutcherson. Why workforce housing Workforce housing is essentially middle-income housing.
