Oswego trustees as a committee of the whole Tuesday will review results of a housing study that analyzes the village’s current housing stock and offers recommendations to meet the needs of Oswego’s growing population, officials said.
The study, which consists of data and feedback, was provided by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and Evanston-based BRicK Partners, a consulting firm that specializes in housing and community development.
The Illinois Housing Development Authority provided the funding for the project, village officials said.
The study, “Homes for a Changing Region,” essentially provides three recommendations for the village to undertake in the future, Oswego Development Services Director Rod Zenner said in a report to trustees.
First, the study recommends the village “encourage housing development to match the needs of Oswego’s current and growing population.”
The study further recommends the village seek out opportunities and partnerships for the village and its residents to benefit from public and private sector resources and programs beyond Oswego.
Another recommendation is that the village assign a housing commission or task force to encourage housing discussions and collaboration, Zenner said.
Results of the study will be discussed at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Village Board Committee of the Whole meeting at Village Hall, 100 Parkers Mill.
The overall analysis is a result of a series of meetings that included a stakeholder group comprised of Oswego Village President Ryan Kauffman, members of the village’s advisory groups and staff.
“This group held an initial meeting in May to review the study’s initial findings and to gain the stakeholder group’s thoughts and opinions in the housing needs of the village,” Zenner said.
Consultants held another meeting in June to gather feedback from another focus group comprised of members of the community including representatives of the Oswego Senior and Community Center, developers, Realtors, Oswego-based School District 308 and residents, Zenner said.
A subsequent meeting with the focus group was held in August, he said.
Consultants developed a website to survey residents about their thoughts on housing as well, Zenner said.
“The report begins by providing a background of the village and an analysis of the housing demand for residents and workers within the community,” Zenner said.
The study further provides an analysis of the village’s housing stock and how it relates to housing demand, he said.
Linda Girardi is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
