Mono supervisor appointed to national housing task force

Kreitz joins 30 county leaders from across nation

The National Association of Counties has appointed Mono County Supervisor Jennifer Kreitz, who is also a former Mammoth Lakes Housing Executive Director, to the NACo Housing Task Force this week.

Comprised of over 30 county leaders from across the United States, the NACo Housing Task Force will identify countyled solutions and innovations for addressing America’s housing affordability and stability crisis.

“Affordable housing was the community’s top priority during last year’s Mono County Strategic Plan survey,” said Supervisor Kreitz. “The lack of available and affordable homes here in Mono County is affecting everyone that lives here in one form or another. I look forward to working with others from across the nation on this pervasive challenge. As a community, we cannot afford to leave any rock unturned or viable tool unused when considering solutions.”

“Counties are on the front lines of responding to the housing crisis,” said NACo President Denise Winfrey. “Stable, quality housing is the foundation for better health, safety, education, a strong workforce, improved financial wellness, and lower demands on the social safety net. NACo’s Housing Task Force is committed to meeting the moment and addressing our residents’ housing needs.”

The Housing Task Force will explore intergovernmental partnerships that support housing solutions among federal, state and local officials, along with private, nonprofit, and homeownership and rental partners.

The group will examine comprehensive solutions to address the complex conditions that undermine housing affordability. Housing costs are outpacing job and wage growth in many areas, with many colliding factors, including: Supply chain disruptions; Labor shortages; Increased demand for short-term rentals; Land costs; Demographic pattern shifts due to generational population changes and economic competitiveness; Institutional investors; Governmental policies, regulations and capacities; and Competing public, private and community interests and incentives.

County roles and responsibilities related to housing vary significantly across, and even within, different states.

Depending on specific structures and authority, county governments can play a leading role in: Tax policies; Financing and lending; Down payment and closing cost assistance; Building permits and code enforcement; Land use and zoning; Infrastructure development; Workforce housing; Public safety and emergency management; and Community planning.

Regardless of specific county functions and responsibilities, all counties have the potential to establish and enhance partnerships with public, private and nonprofit sector stakeholders. The NACo Housing Task Force will host in-person and virtual meetings, as well as produce original research, to examine the role of county governments in providing residents with more housing, greater variety of housing, and better housing affordability and value.

Additional details on the NACo Housing Task Force and its members can be accessed at https://www.naco.org/ resources/signature-projects/naco-housing-taskforce.