In 2021, the I-68 Regional Alliance, a TGCC-led coalition of industry partners, economic development organizations, non-profit organizations, chambers of commerce, representatives from institutions of higher learning, and local, state, and federal government offices, identified the lack of adequate housing for professional workers as a significant obstacle to the attraction and retention of workers needed to grow and sustain the economic development of the area. With no reliable data compiled on a regional basis to support the widespread perception that adequate housing for the targeted segment—“middle market” or “professional” workforce—does not currently exist, the Alliance sought grant funding to engage a consultant to undertake a study to define and determine whether this perceived housing shortage exists, and if so, to deliver a set of specific recommendations and action steps to ameliorate the shortage quickly.

This initiative, funded by the Rural Maryland Council, Allegany, Garrett, Mineral, Bedford & Somerset Counties, Frostburg State University, and the Garrett County Community Action Committee, represents a $62,469.00 investment. Its goals are to ascertain barriers to the development of market-rate housing in the region; identify strategic target markets (households), their housing preferences, and possible supply gaps; define actionable strategies that would address barriers to development and stimulate the right kind of housing in the right locations; and determine other demand-inducing investments.

Nearly 50 stakeholders from across the region attended the virtual kick-off meeting on December 17, 2021, to build awareness about and support for the project. These stakeholders represent a broad spectrum of interests, including Realtors, bankers, developers, planners, employers, HR Directors, economic development leaders, and the like. Data collection continues through February with a survey of housing preferences and interest in new housing products to be distributed to major regional employers and their employees. In addition, a series of stakeholder interviews will occur during February with a final report due in April 2022.