Prescott’s Workforce Housing Committee is moving ahead with strategies to close the affordability gap for essential workers, emphasizing voluntary incentives, density bonuses, and quick-impact programs like down payment assistance.
Staff liaison Amber Fraser summarized key findings from the housing needs assessment and council study session:
Consultant Rick Merritt explained the financial hurdles, showing that market-rate rents average around $1,850 per unit, while a household at 80% of area median income can only afford about $1,330—creating a gap that density bonuses of 15 to 20 percent could help close without forcing market-rate units to subsidize workforce units.
Committee members pushed for faster action on programs that can help residents now. The group also stressed compiling detailed turnover and training-cost data from major local employers—city government, schools, hospitals, and public safety—to build a stronger case for any public incentives or partnerships.