ISU Extension pitches Housing Readiness Study for Earlham, urges grant application

Jen Hargrove, Community and Economic Development Specialist with Iowa State University Extension, presented a Rural Housing Readiness Assessment and told the council that the program would help Earlham plan for future housing growth. Hargrove recommended forming a local committee of about 12 to 20 members, conducting a community survey, reviewing results with case studies and developing a three- to five-year housing strategy.

Hargrove said Earlham is “an excellent candidate” for the program given anticipated growth moving west from the Des Moines and Waukee areas and recommended that the city pursue grant funding and include the study in Fiscal Year 2028 budgeting. The study would involve representatives from residents, nonresidents, landlords, bankers, attorneys, farmers and others with long-term community-development interest.

Next steps: The council was asked to consider pursuing grant funds and to accommodate budgeting for the study in future fiscal planning. If funded, the process would create a local committee and proceed through survey, analysis and strategy development.