The Housing Struggle is REAL!

November 2022

When we think about lower numbers in our community, we typically think negatively in the thoughts that our community is slowly dwindling away instead of thinking about the fact that families are having fewer children, which results in a lower population. There is another strong argument that surrounds housing though- “why don’t we have more empty houses available for people to move in to?” While rental units are imperative to our community, we have to also look at what is available to purchase. For a family of 3-4 children, is a 2 bedroom home sufficient to live in?

Housing is a need in our community. We have open lots, houses that sit empty, and properties that need work done to become appealing to owners. There is a big give and take here. There is value in existing home structures, but if we want our community to grow, to be offered as a home to others, at what price, as a community, are we willing to pay to help build up where we live?

Back in 2009, the Pew Research Center shared data showing that 51% of Americans want to live in a small town or rural area. Since the pandemic, this data has remained to be true as noted today that approximately 20% of people would like to live rural, and around 30% would choose to live in a small town.

So, what can we do? Outside of housing, manufacturing coming to our area, or improvements that may cost more than we are able to handle right now, we can build up the Murdo area! Let’s look at these trends that may assist us in ways to do so. Trend #1 – brain gain (youth returning home after getting education) How can we appeal to our youth? What actions can we as community members take to make sure they know we invite them back to the community?

Trend #2 – changing retail dynamics (entrepreneurship is on the rise) If you have a business idea, come talk to me! I’d love to help you out.

Trend #3 – new travel motivations (people love getting away from the city to visit) We already appeal to travelers, but how can we expand what we are currently offer? How can we include travelers to our community to help them feel welcomed? You never know who is passing through looking for a community to become their next home!

Trend #4 – declining cost of distance (people can work from anywhere) We have community members that are currently working from home. What can we provide to cater to the “work from home culture”? Is there a desire for a communal workspace?

Trend #5 – creative placemaking (adding quality of life amenities to our towns) We have old buildings; they need new life. Are you willing to help work on a project bringing buildings/areas back to life?

This article is full of ideas. Trust me when I say, this is a daily occurrence for me! What I need as the Economic Development Director, is the people that want to see some of these things happen, come to me and offer assistance, whether its physical or financial. We can be a community that appeals to industry, youth, retirees, travelers, and bring back that feel of a destination for surrounding communities. The Murdo area has so much potential and value. Let’s begin believing and talking like it does…that’s when the magic happens!