The issue of affordable housing extends beyond Bloomington's city limits, and a new county commission will be tasked with addressing those concerns.
The Monroe County Affordable Housing Advisory Commission will evaluate housing options throughout Monroe County, advising the county commissioners on where there are issues, making policy recommendations to address those issues and developing a comprehensive county housing policy.
The new commission will also consider ways the county can create incentives for private developers to provide affordable housing.
Deborah Myerson, executive director of South Central Indiana Housing Opportunities, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding low-cost housing options, said the commission is an excellent opportunity to broaden the housing discussion beyond just the city, where there are a number of initiatives to address affordable housing issues, and especially to include the unincorporated areas of the county.
“Housing needs aren’t restricted to one jurisdiction,” Myerson said.
County Commissioner Patrick Stoffers said he is supportive of the affordable housing commission’s formation, and that it is timely, as the county is working with Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County to provide more affordable housing on the city's southwest side.
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