Business leaders discuss ways to meet housing demand in southeast Minnesota | News [Video]

BYRON, Minn. – Southeast Minnesota will continue to grow in the coming decades.  There is currently a shortage of housing and business leaders are concerned the gap will grow if nothing is done to address the issue.

Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc. (RAEDI) held a roundtable in Byron on Thursday, Aug. 22 to discuss how cities can make themselves more appealing for future development.

The Roundtable included representatives from the cities of Byron, Stewartville, Pine Island, Plainview, Chatfield and Kasson, Rochester area housing advocates, and four different area developers to discuss the increasing demand.

As businesses in Rochester continue to expand, businesses like the Design Connection say demand for housing in neighboring communities will only continue to grow.

Cities like Chatfield are hoping to take advantage of that growth, and Chris Gieson, economic development coordinator says there are many lots available for future development.

Other communities talked about potential hurdles …