Day County Represented at Rural Housing Gathering
What are the current challenges and opportunities for rural housing development? Rural economic development professionals from across the state met to discuss these topics during a recent housing gathering, facilitated by Dakota Resources, in Chamberlain, SD.
Local participants included Melissa Waldner, Executive Director of Webster Area Development Corporation, and Ericka Aldrich, Board Member for Day County Housing Development.
“The housing gathering gave me the opportunity to learn how other communities are pursuing housing solutions, connect with key housing contacts from around the state, and dig deeper into how we can support housing development in Day County,” said Waldner.
The group focused on how to make informed decisions for the best type of multi-family housing for an individual community. Participants heard case studies from other community’s housing development experiences. On a bus tour to the town of Kimball, they learned about a home construction program at Kimball High School.
“It was interesting to see Kimball’s housing projects,” said Aldrich. “They have been successful because they worked together to find creative solutions.”
South Dakota resource providers were present to give help and advice on individual project questions. Participating providers included South Dakota Housing Development Authority, GROW South Dakota, REED Fund, and Dakota Resources. During a “Reverse RFP (Request for Proposal)” process, participants presented one housing project idea for their town. Resource providers offered assistance to help that project move forward.
“The reverse request for proposal process was helpful because, so often, we think we need to find the one grant that can make it happen. But, it turns out, there are a lot of creative ways to fund a project if it’s the right fit for your community,” said Waldner.
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| Bus Tour of Kimball, SD | Photo by Dakota Resources |
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| Housing ProForma Training by Lorraine Polak of S.D. Housing |
