Owensboro looking to increase affordable housing; asking for public comment

OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT) — Owensboro's Director of Community Development Abby Shelton is looking to hear from the public ahead of applying for a $7,000,000 dollar housing grant. A public hearing was held at city hall Monday.

The Pathways to Removing Obstacles (PRO) housing grant will be used to build or renovate properties for affordable rental units. If approved, the project is estimated to cost a little under $11,000,000 and introduce 70 living spaces to the community.

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Shelton says people are spending over 30 percent of their income on housing, making it difficult to afford basic necessities.

Officials say stable housing is also linked to better community health.

One realtor says 30 percent of her clients are low to moderate income.

"We also know that helping those first-time homebuyers is an ongoing issue. So, any grant that the city of Owensboro can get or Daviess county...it definitely helps our region grow," says Karen Gross.

Written comments can be shared through Oct. 14 by mail, email or in person at Owensboro City Hall. City officials say they will submit the application on Oct. 15.

They say they'll receive a decision from the Department of Housing and Urban Development mid-2025.