County Update: Commissioner Fast says collaboration is key to increasing housing options

As your District 1 Commissioner, I have been a strong and vocal advocate of developing a variety of housing options and adding housing to the County’s two-year strategic planning priorities. Currently, our county management team is collaborating with Johnson County cities and United Community Services on a housing study and taskforce. A request for proposal will be issued to examine Johnson County’s housing marked including an assessment of our current and future housing needs.

Lastly, it’s important for Johnson County’s city, county, and business leaders engage with residents and coordinate regionally to develop a plan to increase housing opportunities. And with that in mind, we can - and must - support the needs of the homeless, seniors, veterans, and persons with disabilities.

Housing has long served as the foundation for wealth building in America, but the affordability challenges in recent years have made it harder and harder for so many to reach the American dream. If we’re going to solve this seemingly insurmountable problem and ensure that every Johnson County resident has a place to call home, we’re going to have to work together.