The event needs to involve existing Williston businesses, and not just the energy industry. City, county and state officials, along with banking officials, need to participate in such an event.
In Tuesday’s story about the Williston City Commission’s special meeting Monday evening, Mayor Ward Koeser appropriately states Williston faces a critical housing situation. Koeser brought a few business representatives to Monday’s meeting so they could share the challenges they face regarding housing.
Koeser also shared an e-mail he received from Jesse Stundal of S&S Sales, which stated the firm located in Minot instead of Williston because of the ongoing problems with finding adequate housing here.
Not that we needed more examples, but Monday’s discussion again puts a public face to this housing problem that fails to be resolved. Monday’s discussion should send chills through anyone who enjoys seeing a community grow and anyone associated with economic development. Every businessperson knows that new customers are always needed to produce a long-term future for any operation. But how are new customers gained and growth sustained when adequate housing cannot be found?
There is no need for job creation and workforce development when the individuals you hope to attract can’t find adequate housing. This housing issue also is not unique to Williston, as it is rearing its ugly head elsewhere in western North Dakota and eastern Montana.
The new single-family and multi-family residences that have been constructed recently in Williston, fail to address the needs and realities of people who don’t work in the high-paying energy sector. Adequate housing for low-to-middle-income individuals is sorely needed in Williston.
Is the fact that new businesses are publicly stating they are locating elsewhere because of Williston’s housing situation a sign that all roads now lead “away” from here instead of “to” here? We honestly hope that big bend in the road doesn’t exist.
Instead, we believe the time is now for everyone involved in housing, job creation and workforce development to get their heads together to find a viable, long-term solution to these critical issues. Any chance of a prosperous, successful future depends on it.
Comments
Dakota wrote on Nov 17, 2009 6:25 AM:
Resident wrote on Nov 13, 2009 6:08 AM:
Heatherf wrote on Nov 12, 2009 12:28 PM:
lets be real wrote on Nov 12, 2009 7:45 AM:
I agree with the premise that something needs to be done.How that is accomplished is unknown. I have a hard time accepting the fact that we always need to look to government for the answers. Where is the chamber, the builders association, the realtors, business owners, community groups and the public in general to assist with this issue? And posting to comments and stories online don't count. People need to come out in the open and discuss this issues at all of these levels.
Maybe the Herald should be the one to put together some public meetings since they are the ones suggesting a "summit."
I also agree that more needs to be done to encourage other industries and jobs to locate into our community to help diversify the economy so that we are not tied directly to one industry. Ag processing that has expanded in the area is one plus, but there needs to be more. Yet, with the struggles of finding employees and housing the community needs to resolve those issues first. "
Resident wrote on Nov 12, 2009 6:09 AM:
Pauline wrote on Nov 5, 2009 11:38 PM: