Next Generation Housing Background

The original goal for the Next Generation Housing Initiative was set in October 2021 with the Kick-off Event. Since then, there have been various changes in the housing market. The Next Generation Housing 2.0 Framework was approved in June 2024 with revised goals and price points.

NGH Vision

Navigating housing opportunities, providing attainable housing options and building a diverse housing population.

NGH Goals

• Providing 1,000 new owner-occupied housing units in Next Generation Housing developments with 40% being sold for under $340,000, 80% under $360,000, and 100% under $420,000, including home and lot/site, by 2032.
• Overcoming barriers to home ownership for our next generation.
• Satisfying the basic need of obtaining quality homes within 30% of household income.

Next Generation Housing Kick-off Event

On October 7th, 2021, Washington County hosted the Next Generation Housing Kick-off Event. During the kick-off, County Executive Josh Schoemann provided information on the new Community Development Department, introduced the Community Development Director and provided details what Next Generation Housing Initiative is trying to achieve. EDWC provided a presentation on a workforce study that was completed detailing the shortage in the workforce and the difficulties of purchasing a home in the County. Following the EDWC presentation, a panel of private sector businesses presented their perspective on the workforce shortage and housing shortage and gave their support for this new program. Lastly, there was closing remarks from the County Executive. The event had about 100 local government officials and private sector businesses in attendance. The two hour long Next Generation Housing Kick-Off Event livestream is below.

See the Next Generation Housing Event PowerPoint presentation. 

The Next Generation Housing Committee

The Community Development Department established the Next Generation Housing Committee comprised of local governments and key stakeholders. This Committee will work together to overcome the barriers to Next Generation Housing and drive the implementation of the Vision and long-term solutions. The first meeting was held on December 2nd, 2021. The Housing Committee members include:

Ad Hoc Workgroups

Comprised of lenders, educators, builders, developers, planners, businesses, civic/non-profit groups, and realtors, this workgroup will be the resource to determining real solutions to barriers and the resource to implement solutions. This Workgroup gathers a group of professionals who are directly involved in the housing market and development process. The first Ad Hoc Workgroup meeting was held on December 16th. See the summary report for more information.

Ad Hoc Workgroup Summary Report

Builders Forum

Washington County along with the municipalities involved in the pilot projects are engaging builders from the beginning stages of developing in the Next Generation Housing projects. Incorporating builder feedback into the Initiative will be extremely important to the success and implementation of the pilot sites. The Community Development Department has engaged builders for two separate Builders Forums as well as many individual meetings with builders to discuss the Initiative.

August 16, 2022 Builders Forum Summary

October 26, 2022 Builders Forum Summary

Price Point Analysis

The Community Development Department will complete a Price Point Analysis evaluating market trends on a bi-annual basis as it relates to the Next Generation Housing Initiative. As part of the Next Generation Housing Framework 2.0 update, the first Price Point Analysis was completed.

2024 Price Point Analysis