housing market

Even as the state legislature looks for ways to increase affordable housing in Kentucky, a GOP state lawmaker is pushing a bill to add another hurdle to build multi-family housing and continue a moratorium on zoning code changes in Louisville.

In a study published earlier this year, the Kentucky Housing Corporation identified a need for 13% more units in Christian County than is currently available to meet the community’s needs. This translates to 3,430 rental and for-sale housing options – a number the organization projects will increase by nearly 1,000 units by 2029.

Affordable housing developers say there's a critical need to rapidly increase the housing stock, suggesting a state tax credit for low income housing.

Legislators on Kentucky’s Housing Task Force have heard the same refrain time and again over the past few months: The Commonwealth needs more places to live, especially more affordable and middle-income housing. But, Monday’s meeting drew attention to challenges that some officials say prevent those options from being built.

There aren’t enough homes for residents across income levels in Kentucky, according to housing experts. At an industry conference Wednesday, they said the problem will worsen in the next few years.

Denser housing, modifying regulations seen as part of potential solution

Chris Whitney, a retired pro basketball player, is among the backers who cut the ribbon Saturday on their first home on West Edmunds Street.

A new report from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s Center for Policy & Research suggests that housing challenges could intensify as more economic development projects come to the Commonwealth – and its author says that state and community leaders should address those challenges now.

A new state legislative committee met for the first time Monday to learn more about Kentucky’s housing shortage – and potential ways to address the issue.

A Frankfort lawmaker wants Kentucky to join states across the country that have recently passed laws to expand “middle housing” — eliminating regulatory barriers to address shortages and soaring costs.