General Purpose of Study

A Housing Needs Assessment provides baseline information from which policy decisions, local housing goals and objectives and program options can be evaluated. This information is intended to inform decisions, as well as suggest program and policy options for local governments to consider when addressing community housing needs and opportunities. Ideally, the Upper Arkansas region will have a mix and balance of housing that supports current and future residents as their housing needs and conditions change to support not only changing life patterns of residents, but also to support the continued economic development of the area by ensuring local employees can find and afford housing.

Affordable housing is generally defined as a housing payment that does not exceed 30 percent of gross monthly income and a home that is of a sufficient size to meet the needs of the household. The types of homes that are made available under local housing initiatives vary depending on the housing needs in different communities and the policies and goals established by these communities to support these goals. Customizing policies, goals and programs to local conditions is an important component of any successful housing strategy.