Housing Success Stories subject of upcoming meetins

HOLDREGE, Neb. -- "Creating Housing Success Stories" is the program for the South Platte United Chambers of Commerce quarterly meeting June 14 in McCook. Cities across the state continue to struggle with not having enough housing for their workforces. Several experts with hands-on experience in Broken Bow and Imperial will talk about how these communities created new housing.

The program will feature Melissa Garcia of Broken Bow, past president of Custer County Economic Development Corp. She will explain what it took for the economic development group to bring housing to the community, which included market rate housing.

Imperial has made housing development work in their community since 2013. Jason Tuller, Community Development Director, will tell about this project which involved getting market rate rental homes as part of a grant for income restricted homes.

In addition to these stories of success, advisors on funding opportunities are on the docket.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has made changes to its housing programs recently and Michael Vukas will explain those changes. Vukas is a Single Family Housing Specialist for the direct loan program in the Kearney USDA office.

Kristi McClung is a Housing Consultant for the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

She is well versed in housing and funding opportunities for communities and will add information to the program about options for housing development.

The premier residential leader in the McCook area, Randy Korgan of McCook National Bank, will also join the speakers panel. He chairs a company that is building spec housing in his community.

The meeting will be at The Coppermill Steakhouse, North Highway 83 and Coppermill Street in McCook, June 14 at 6:00 p.m. A business meeting will start at 4:30 and social at 5:30. Reservations are required by June 10 for the $20 meal. Call 308-991-8657 or email info@spuccne.com.

The public is welcome to attend the meeting along with South Platte United Chambers of Commerce members. SPUCC meets quarterly in communities throughout the region.

Its goal is to champion community development, legislation and tourism in the South Platte region. For more information, visit the new SPUCC website at www.spuccne.com.