The Next Generation Housing (NGH) Initiative was launched in October of 2021. The Washington County Executive, Josh Schoemann, recognized the need for high quality attainable housing and established this Initiative to create more “Missing Middle” housing in the County. The main goal of this Initiative is to create 1,000 new owner-occupied dwelling units in Next Generation Housing developments with 75% selling for under $320,000 and 100% under $420,000, including home and lot/site, by 2032.
What started as an idea has gained momentum throughout the County, with support by local governments, businesses, chambers of commerce, lenders, realtors, builders, non-profit organizations, and residents interested in obtaining reasonably priced homes in the communities in which they work. The Community Development Department has been working diligently with the Next Generation Housing Committee, the County Executive Team, the Pilot Development Groups, and Ad Hoc Workgroups (including builders, bankers, realtors, developers, and attorneys) to design the foundational structure of Next Generation Housing and establish this Framework for implementation.
The Framework details how Washington County and partnering local governments will achieve the goal of providing housing opportunities for working individuals and families to grow their roots in the County and build equity through home ownership. From establishing the pilot development sites through an inventory analysis, to creating a sustainable funding source for the Initiative, this Framework is a major steppingstone in achieving Next Generation Housing. View Next Generation Housing Framework here.