THRIVING NEIGHBORHOODS
All residents have access to housing in clean, safe, and connected neighborhoods with access to necessary services and amenities.
Central Iowa is consistently ranked among the nationā€™s most affordable places to live. We promote our region as a place to live and visit to help foster the consideration of moving, working and living here to impact our region’s growth and workforce. To maintain that reputation and advance these efforts, the region requires an intentional and sustained focus on workforce housing. The supply of workforce housing (rental and ownership) has lagged behind regional population and job growth resulting in a higher cost of living, especially in the fastest-growing job centers and for Iowans in lower-income strata. Capital Crossroads will leverage its influence to enhance existing initiatives to provide workforce housing. A collaborative, regional effort will ensure housing is equitably distributed, meets existing and future demand, is aligned with the regional job mix, and is in close proximity to jobs.
Workforce housing is essential for promoting social equity and reducing socioeconomic disparities. Projects to provide individuals and families the opportunity to secure, safe, and quality housing, regardless of their income level, reduce homelessness and housing insecurity, improve workforce stability, and are closely tied to public health outcomes. This is in part because residents can allocate more of their income towards other essential needs such as healthcare, education, and nutritious food thereby stimulating local businesses and generating demand for goods and services. Moreover, regional workforce housing investments can help prevent or mitigate gentrification and displacement of lower-income residents. As neighborhoods experience revitalization and rising property values, workforce housing initiatives ensure that existing residents can continue to afford housing in their communities. This preserves neighborhood character and social networks, and prevents the displacement of vulnerable populations.
Additionally, investing in green infrastructure and promoting responsible stewardship of natural resources can enhance economic growth, improve air and water quality, and provide increased recreational value. Central Iowaā€™s continued economic growth, community vitality, and quality of life are contingent, to a large extent, on a diligent and sustained focus on environmental conservation efforts, and particularly on managing water quality issues. This Capital Crossroads Roadmap to 2040 supports efforts to prioritize green space and green infrastructure at the individual, organizational, community, and governmental levels.
1. Increased awareness of the need for greater supply of workforce housing, especially located in proximity to new and existing jobs, and in proportion to local wages.
2. Advocate for future regional design plans to integrate sustainable natural environments, greenspaces, and amenities that reflect the diverse interests of local residents.
3. Future regional models provide residents with seamless and affordable access to the services and amenities that sustain their health and well-being.
