Nov. 8, 2024
Housing is an issue across the whole country and Vernon County is no exception. Vernon County officials are taking steps recently to tackle the housing issue with the formation of a housing task force and conducting a countywide housing study that includes a housing survey.
The County recently formed a housing task-force that will included county board representatives, county staff and community stakeholders that represent various sectors of the community. Task force members were recently approved by the Board of Supervisors and they held their first meeting on Oct. 30.
You can view the information presented to the taskforce at that meeting by UW-Extension Community Development Educator Hannah Altimus here.
While the taskforce is just getting up and running the Vernon County Community Development office, in partnership with UW-Madison Extension, was already in the process of pursuing a countywide housing study aimed at addressing the current and future housing needs of Vernon County. A crucial first step is the release of a housing survey, set to launch on November 8th, 2024.
This study will play a vital role in shaping future plans for Vernon County, helping us understand the barriers to housing development, and identifying the needs and preferences of our residents. The data collected will not only guide our future housing decisions but also provide valuable insights for developers and municipalities to create a more responsive and effective housing strategy.
“Housing is a hot topic among communities, not only in Vernon County, but across the nation. A county-wide housing study will be a valuable tool to help communities understand their current and future housing needs and then implement strategies to address those needs”, said Amy Oliver, Vernon County Community Development Director.
By participating in the survey, residents will have the opportunity to share their experiences, concerns, and suggestions regarding housing in Vernon County. This inclusive approach ensures the voices of all community members are heard and considered throughout this process.
“When residents, businesses, and school districts get involved by taking this survey, we get a chance to hear the voice of Vernon County and with that, the ability to identify types of housing available, needs in housing throughout the county, and critical information we can use to identify long-term, sustainable solutions to those housing needs”, said Hannah Altimus, Vernon County UW-Madison Extension Community Development Educator.
Community input is invaluable, and we encourage all community members to not only participate, but to share the survey with your neighbors, friends, and family to help ensure that all community member needs are represented.
Survey Link: Vernon County Housing Survey
Survey Period: November 8, 2024 – December 8, 2024
Complete the survey online at your convenience. Estimated time to complete the survey is 10 minutes.
Paper copies will be available by November 15th at local libraries and municipal clerk’s offices in Vernon County as well as at the UW-Madison Extension office located in the Erlandson Building at 318 Fairlane Drive, Viroqua, WI 54665.
For additional information or assistance, please contact:
Hannah Altimus, Community Development Educator
University of Wisconsin-Extension, Vernon County
Hannah.altimus@wisc.edu or 608-637-5281
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