WCDA Announces Selection of Abt Associates for the Development of a Statewide Strategic Housing Action Plan for the State of Wyoming
WCDA will partner with Abt Associates to create and implement a first of it’s kind Statewide Strategic Housing Action Plan for the entire state of Wyoming.
WYOMING – In a significant stride toward addressing Wyoming’s housing challenges, the Wyoming Community Development Authority (WCDA) has announced the selection of Abt Associates (Abt) to partner with in the development of a Statewide Strategic Housing Action Plan (Plan). The decision to pursue a Statewide Strategic Housing Action Plan was made in response to the findings from Wyoming’s Statewide Housing Needs Assessment. Abt Associates has been part of the successful execution of statewide housing plans in states like New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Rhode Island. They will commence work shortly, producing draft plans by late 2024. The team will engage with various stakeholders across the state.
In developing the Plan, Abt will aim to deliver customized and actionable recommendations for WCDA, localities, and other stakeholders to address the state’s housing needs. The plan will assess and provide recommendations for Wyoming’s housing needs in the categories of both affordability and inventory available for rent or purchase. This Plan aims to outline priorities and strategies for housing policy in Wyoming, drawing on local expertise and best practices nationwide. The upcoming Plan will assess current successes, areas needing improvement, and propose forward-looking solutions.
In close collaboration with WCDA, Abt will develop a Plan that is responsive to the needs and housing conditions of different jurisdictions and regions across the state. The Plan will include recommended goals, strategies, and implementation steps to preserve existing and provide additional housing opportunities. To ensure the Plan is relevant to diverse localities across the state, Abt will propose a typology of housing markets that reflect the different housing conditions and challenges in different cities and counties (for example, low-growth, modest cost rural areas or high-cost resort areas with inadequate workforce housing). Abt will work with WCDA to determine key factors to consider in developing the market typologies, such as housing costs, population density and growth, primary industries, and income trends. Abt will develop specific recommended goals, strategies, and implementation steps for the state as a whole and for each market type. The Plan will be informed by the barriers, needs, and potential solutions identified through document review, community analysis, and community outreach.
“We are excited to kick off the first of its kind Statewide Strategic Housing Action Plan for the State of Wyoming. The residents of Wyoming are feeling the pressures of inflation, increased interest rates, and increased insurance, property tax and utility costs. WCDA is committed to help in any way we can to make housing prices affordable.” noted Scott Hoversland, Executive Director of the Wyoming Community Development Authority.
This new housing Plan will complement Wyoming’s strategic initiatives, exploring solutions for housing affordability across income levels, analyzing housing stock quality and availability, evaluating development barriers, and addressing the needs of special populations such as seniors or veterans. Public input will be integral, ensuring broad stakeholder engagement.
About Wyoming Community Development Authority
Wyoming Community Development Authority is the state’s leading resource for housing finance. Since 1975, WCDA has been making it easier for people across Wyoming to finance their first home by providing low-interest single family mortgages, education to help customers buy and retain their homes, and offering special programs to aid in the sustainability of home ownership.
With any concerns or needs, please contact WCDA’s Executive Director, Scott Hoversland, at 307-265-0603 or hoversland@wyomingcda.com.
