"We have a housing problem" is a comment often heard in communities served by Aquila in recent years. But what kind of housing problem is it - specifically? Lack of rental housing? Affordability of entry-level housing for sale? Low appraisals? No lots? And what is causing the housing problem or problems? Until a community can answer these questions and until an action plan is devised and implemented addressing the root causes, nothing can be expected to change. And lack of housing will continue to be one of the major constraints to further community development in these good economic times.

To assist communities in responding to this housing challenge, Aquila Networks sponsors the Community Housing Assessment Team (CHAT) process. This CHAT process builds upon the successful experiences of one of the Midwest's best-known community planning and development consulting firms, RDG Crose Gardner Shukert. It combines the resources of Aquila, state and regional groups, and the local community to create a clear, achievable action plan designed to "drive some nails" - in other words, achieve results.

The CHAT process consists of two stages:

• Preliminary Analysis
• Intensive Three-day Community Visit

Preliminary Analysis

This stage includes information collection and analysis that is completed before the community visit. The results of this analysis will be presented at a community briefing session.

Statistical Analysis

• Population change from 1990 to 2000 (updated when possible)
• Analysis of in-migration/out-migration by age group - comparing forecasts based on cohort-survival methods with actual population behavior
• Housing characteristics and trends including sales, rents, vacancy and overall supply information
• 20-year population forecasts

Demand Analysis

• Affordability analysis, matching income distributions with pricing of housing stock

Housing Industry Attitude Survey

• Mailed about four weeks before the community visit to a select list of participants in the community's housing market. Its primary purpose will be to assess perceptions and to consider common themes that emerge

Information to be Supplied by Community

• 10-year construction statistics/ permit activity
• Comprehensive plan and zoning ordinances
• Recent housing sales information
• Mailing list for attitude survey

Community Visit

The community visit is planned over a three-day period with a possible extension to four days depending upon the needs of the community.

The draft plan will be completed on-site in the community. The implementation element will provide a step-by-step program to address the community's key housing challenges.

Marty Shukert leads the Community Housing Assessment Team and is a principal of the planning consulting firm of RDG Crose Gardner Shukert, Inc. where he has been engaged in a variety of community planning and development projects in the Midwest. Prior to his present association, he served the City of Omaha for thirteen years, including terms as the city's Housing and Community Development Director and Planning Director. He received his B.A. degree in city planning from Yale University in 1971. He continued his education at the University of California at Berkeley, where he earned a Masters of Architecture degree. He was elected to Phi Beta Kappa in 1971.

Community Selection and Cost

The cost of the Community Housing Assessment Team averages $7,000 plus expenses. Aquila may pay up to $3,000 plus consultant travel expenses, with the community providing the other $4,000. Group meeting meals and refreshments are the responsibility of the community. Multi-jurisdictional communities and counties may be addressed at an additional cost and may require more time. Communities will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Participation is limited.. The following factors will be considered:

• Population between 2,500 and 20,000 preferred
• Community with city and development corporation capacity to:
  • Provide needed information
  • Follow-up on recommendations

Apply on-line by completing an

For more information or to receive a sample of a recent completed CHAT report,  complete our Information Request Form  or contact our  Economic Development Team  at:

Aquila
Economic Development
PO Box 11739
Kansas City, MO 64138-1800
E-mail: development@aquila.com
Phone: 800-465-6553
Fax: 816-737-7921