City to conduct housing study

The city of Springfield announced plans for a housing-needs assessment and conditions study.

The study is expected to launch by year's end, and city officials expect a consultant will be selected in the next month to perform the assessment, according to a news release.

“This will be a data-driven study which will be used to identify citywide and neighborhood-focused housing priorities and provide policy alternatives and intervention strategies to guide the city in decision- making for future housing needs,” said Brendan Griesemer, assistant director of the Department of Planning and Development, in the release.

The study is slated to guide Restore SGF, an initiative to increase homeownership that's one of the top focuses of Forward SGF, the city's new comprehensive plan.

Restore SGF, which recently received IRS approval as a 501(c)(3) organization, this summer was approved by Springfield City Council for $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds. Several banks also have offered pledges of support, according to past reporting.

The initiative aims to boost homeownership by offering low-interest financing and grants for rehabbing older homes in historic neighborhoods.