Employers recruiting workers to Abilene, Texas, face a growing obstacle of too few homes in a city that is adding jobs.
The estimated shortfall has climbed from about 5,000 homes to nearly 11,000.
Here's what to know
Abilene's year-over-year job gain totaled roughly 700, according to Doug Peters, the Abilene Chamber of Commerce's president and CEO, who spoke with KTAB/KRBC.
The local gains come amid broader expansion across Texas. KTAB/KRBC reported that, according to Gov. Greg Abbott's office, Texas ranked first nationally for job growth over 12 months, with employment increasing 1.1%, compared with 0.8% nationally.
More background
Peters said Abilene's housing deficit stood at about 5,000 units when the Stargate facility was announced, according to KTAB/KRBC.
"Some employers find it difficult to recruit talent to the community because of the difficulty with housing," Peters said.
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The report did not provide rent or home price figures for the area.
What's being done?
Peters said the number of housing permits issued had risen significantly in comparison to the prior year, though the report did not provide a specific count.
No specific permitting reform or rule change was identified in the report; Peters broadly advocated reducing red tape to help attract developers to Abilene to ease the housing crisis. "These are the kinds of challenges that every community in the United States wishes it had," he said.
The results of a housing assessment were expected to clarify demand in a market that Peters said changes frequently. That assessment, which began at the start of the year, was still underway when the report was published.
"We want to make sure that we're always in a net positive job gain posture. Abilene has a unique way of doing that by working together and doing the things that are necessary to make sure it happens," Peters said. "Every job matters. Every job is important."
Where can I learn more?
Other Texas communities face housing supply and affordability challenges of their own. These stories cover Austin's rising costs, Fort Worth station-area plans, and Corpus Christi repair grants.
• Austin residents fear rising housing costs could price their children out of the city.
• Fort Worth residents want trails, housing, and coffee shops at a planned TEXRail station.
• Corpus Christi has opened a lottery for home repair grants of up to $24,999.
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