FCDA creates committee to address housing needs

    The Fannin County Development Authority (FCDA) is reaching out to local business and civic leaders to address one of the region’s most challenging issues: affordable housing.

    “We can attract new business to our community,” said FCDA director Erick Youngberg, “but without providing more affordable housing, we are going to have long-term issues with our workforce.”

     Providing affordable housing has become a uniquely challenging issue in many growing communities across the sunbelt.

     In response, Youngberg has invited six local leaders -- Billy Whitaker, Anita Hardy, William Mone, John Thomas, Cory Callihan, Bryan Avery -- to form the FCDA Housing Committee, which will meet regularly to discuss options and potential solutions.

      The group’s initial meeting is Wednesday, March 11.

      “Our current business community, as well as those who are eager to open up new businesses in Fannin County, is going to need a large and available pool of workers,” Youngberg said. “And it will benefit everyone if those workers are part of this community.

        “This is not a small issue. I am confident we have pulled together a team of smart, experienced local leaders who can help us figure this out.”