SOUTH BEND — There seems to be broad consensus the community needs more houses to attract more workers to attract more economic development.
At his first Democratic Primary debate with challenger Henry Davis, South Bend Mayor James Mueller pointed to the need for more housing, across all types and income levels, as his top economic development priority.
At that same debate, Davis agreed the city needs more affordable housing, going so far as to assert that he doesn't think the current administration has prioritized it enough.
New Carlisle project:Even without LG, GM may proceed with EV battery plant in St. Joe County with new partner
As he’s trying to lure General Motors to build an electric vehicle battery plant east of New Carlisle, creating up to 1,800 jobs, St. Joseph County Economic Development Executive Director Bill Schalliol says the company has made clear their concern about adequate housing options in that part of the county.
In Mishawaka, planning and community development Executive Director Ken Prince points to the city’s support of the new Habitat for Humanity community on the former Northside Little League site as an example of the city’s realization that it needs more affordable housing. Downtown, developers probably wouldn’t have built The Mill apartments without the financial support contributed by the state of Indiana and city of Mishawaka, whose respective 20% share of the construction costs allowed for monthly rents of around $1,500 instead of $3,000, said Jeff Rea, president and CEO of the Greater South Bend Chamber.