Housing Studies That Power Economic Opportunity
How Steadfast City Helps Communities Align Housing With Workforce, Equity, and Growth
At Steadfast City Economic & Community Partners, we understand that housing is more than shelter - it's infrastructure for opportunity. Whether you're a regional planner, city leader, or economic development professional, a strategic housing study is your blueprint for attracting talent, supporting employers, and building a resilient, inclusive community.
Housing as a Workforce Strategy
Across the country, employers are struggling to fill jobs—not because the jobs aren’t there, but because workers can’t find affordable, accessible housing close to where they work. If your community is facing similar challenges, a housing study is a powerful first step toward solving them.
We specialize in housing needs assessments that directly link housing to economic development. Our goal is to help communities create housing ecosystems that sustain and grow their workforce, while promoting equity, accessibility, and quality of life.
What Sets Us Apart
Our approach combines data-rich analysis with deep stakeholder engagement. We go beyond surface metrics to understand local housing gaps, market demand, zoning barriers, and the lived experience of residents and workers.
The result is a clear, actionable roadmap for:
Supporting employer recruitment and retention
Expanding housing choices for all income levels
Attracting development aligned with community goals
Strengthening regional competitiveness
Spotlight: Housing Assessment for the Scott Air Force Base Region
One example of our work is the regional housing needs analysis we conducted for Illinois REALTORS® in the area surrounding Scott Air Force Base. This project focused on identifying housing challenges that impact both military personnel and the local workforce across multiple jurisdictions.
Our study assessed five communities within a 20–25-mile radius and uncovered critical insights around housing affordability, availability, and barriers. We convened a diverse group of stakeholders and hosted inclusive dialogue to gather insights into the housing challenges of the region. The invaluable feedback received during these discussions not only informed our ongoing research efforts but also laid the groundwork for prioritizing in-depth analysis. Through a detailed examination of demographic trends, household incomes, and housing market indicators, Steadfast City empowered municipalities to identify specific housing needs. We provided tailored recommendations for each jurisdiction, including zoning updates, incentive programs, and innovative housing models like accessory dwelling units and co-housing. The findings are now guiding community leaders and developers in creating housing solutions that align with both local needs and regional economic goals and established a baseline for monitoring progress over time.
Conclusion
If your community is preparing for a housing study, or trying to turn one into action, Steadfast City is ready to help. We partner with cities, counties, and regional coalitions to deliver strategic, creative, and community-centered housing assessments.
Get in touch at developbetter@steadfastcity.com or call 314-949-1555 to start the conversation.
