Regional Housing Study/Needs Analysis and Action Plan
Red River Community Housing Development Organization
The Red River Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) serves Region IV (Grand Forks, Nelson, Pembina, and Walsh Counties). Their mission is to expand opportunities for low-income individuals and their communities by developing quality affordable housing and supporting community development.
Fourth Economy was engaged to conduct both a regional housing study and a needs analysis and action plan. Region IV has experienced population loss and limited housing development for four decades. Many small, rural municipalities haven’t seen new housing construction in over 20 years. Rising national housing prices have priced many residents out of the region, forcing them to relocate to more densely populated areas. This has led to labor shortages and reduced essential services in these towns, negatively impacting health and economic development. While Grand Forks has grown recently, rural areas have lagged behind.
Our Approach
Fourth Economy analyzed local data, engaged stakeholders, and developed a strategy to catalyze housing development in the region’s municipalities. We conducted an in-depth study of the housing stock by typology and price point. This data was supplemented by 15 virtual focus groups in individual towns, gathering insights from elected officials, housing developers, and residents. We discussed challenges and opportunities related to housing production, development scale, maintenance, and funding.
The Results
Fourth Economy produced a Housing Action Plan with strategies to catalyze development, explore diverse housing types, develop a construction workforce, and support redevelopment projects. This plan is now being used to advocate for increased housing development and funding. As a result of the plan, Grafton announced its first new housing development project in 30 years.
Location
Red River North Dakota