Housing availability and affordability is a crucial issue facing both rural and urban communities. Communities that can provide an array of housing options are better positioned to attract and retain workers and families. In many communities, however, housing options are limited both in terms of affordability and type. The insufficient supply of housing partially explains why housing costs are one of the key factors driving inflation. Given relatively slow population growth and aging population, many midwestern communities struggle to expand and/or update their housing stock.
