A few weeks ago I attended the Governor’s Rural Community Summit in Minot, North Dakota. Opening remarks by conference co-sponsors Shane Goettle (North Dakota Department of Commerce); Jasper Schneider (USDA) and Gaylon Baker (North Dakota Economic Development Association) set the tone for North Dakota’s success story. Governor John Hoeven sealed this success story with his comments on the State’s (nearly unheard of in this day and era of decline) 3.5% unemployment rate; lower taxes, expanded economy and positive population trends. Once considered “fly-over country”, North Dakota is quickly becoming noticed. It’s drawing attention because of its oil deposits, especially in the western part of the state. Although there may be a cargo load of good news, challenges exist.
An affordable housing roundtable discussion revealed not the usual affordable housing scenario. The handful of agency and small community representatives commented mostly on the serious lack of (affordable AND market rate) housing units in these oil producing areas. From Williston to Dickinson and beyond, increases in higher paid workers ($31/hour to drive truck) are creating such high demand for housing that little housing exists and people are living in their trucks, commuting unusual distances and doubling up in units that stretch occupancy codes. And because housing programs are aimed at lower income individuals, the families with the higher paid workers do not meet the income guidelines to qualify for existing affordable housing programs.
The influx of families also brings challenges to school districts which are constructing their own housing units to accommodate the increase in needed teachers. These same trucks hauling oil are causing some infrastructure difficulty especially with road maintenance. Hopefully increasing revenues can address some of these challenges but the housing issue appears to be a long way off from being resolved.
Most communities would love to have the challenges of the need for more housing, and so much industry the roads are suffering! Congrats to North Dakota. We’re watching your success and wish you the best!
