The Southwest Missouri Council of Governments (SMCOG) worked with PC to complete a Housing Analysis for Greene County, Missouri, focused on the County’s unincorporated land and more rural towns of Ash Grove, Fair Grove and Walnut Grove (or “The Groves”). Our study found The Groves’ large amount of property available for in-fill, redevelopment, or city expansion can be counted a major asset as these communities seek to improve their housing conditions. Though not projected to grow rapidly in population, housing production has been minimal over the last decade with only 4% of the 4,500 housing units permitted in Greene County being located in The Groves. According to our modest status-quo population growth scenario, our team forecasts need for an additional 340 housing units in The Groves specifically by 2044, or up to 670 new units according to our optimistic growth scenario. Our recommendations include options and funding sources for redevelopment, changes to zoning code to promote affordable housing, and methods of engaging with local developers and housing partners. In particular, a land banking organization for the County would be optimal for hands-on treatment and prevention of housing blight, and utilization of downtown revitalization programs could be a gamechanger for The Groves’ future housing and economic landscape.
Read the full report here:
