Community Feedback Provides Insight Into Housing Market

Westerville Housing Study outcomes conversation starting.

Since the fall of 2021, the City of Westerville has been working with consultants, Mosaic Community Planning, to conduct the Westerville Housing Study. The assessment included coordination with existing City plans, research and community engagement.

For a growing community, the availability of diverse housing options is an essential driver of sustainability and economic competitiveness. One of the chief research questions to be answered by the study’s report concerns the need and support for more “attainable” housing types in the City. A housing stock that supports people and households with varying needs, including young families, the elderly, people with disabilities, and people working lower-wage jobs is an important asset for business recruitment, economic development and community health.

The community engagement piece of this study included a mixture of remote and in-person techniques: a resident survey available through the City’s website, stakeholder

interviews and conversations with various community groups. Everyone was asked to share their ideas about the City’s housing stock, current and future housing needs, and their vision for housing as Westerville grows. The community’s thoughts about housing in Westerville now and over the next 20 years will be a cornerstone for the City’s Housing Study.

Much of the assessment also involved research and data analysis. The Housing Study assessed the local housing market, identified gaps in the types and numbers of housing units available, described factors contributing to these gaps and identified potential strategies to address them.

The Westerville Housing Study will conclude with a report that is expected to be finalized by the end of February 2022. Keep up with the plan’s progress at www.westerville.org/housingstudy.