State housing grant a tribute to this community’s generosity

“If you build it, they will come.”
I highlighted Kevin Costner’s classic line from the 1989 “Field of Dreams” movie in 2021 when Aurora and Hamilton County received a $1 million Rural Workforce Housing grant to help address the community’s housing needs. It was true then and it remains true today, when again this community has learned that it’s getting a $1 million shot in the arm to help lower the cost for much-needed affordable local housing.
The fact that the Nebraska Department of Economic Development included Aurora’s request in a second round of Rural Workforce Housing grants came as no surprise, but it is still very much a cause worth celebrating. It would have been hard for state officials to pass over the Aurora Housing Development Corporation’s request, based solely on the results of Phase 1 funding now visible in the Streeter housing subdivision on the west edge of town.
Bottom line, the $1 million 2020 grant, which was combined with $1 million in local match funding, created a revolving loan fund which helped put development of a 64-lot subdivision on the fast track. Streets and infrastructure are now in place with several new single-family homes and townhomes already built, and many more expected soon.
AHDC President Jannelle Seim and a core group of volunteers deserve a ton of credit for completing the detailed application process necessary to receive RWH grant funds. So too do local foundations and individual donors, who stepped up yet again to provide $500,000 in local match funds, which this time came with a 2-to-1 payback guarantee. That’s a fantastic return on investment, which in fact will roll over again and again in the form of a growing revolving loan fund.
Private sector dollars have had such a tremendous impact on this community over time, and this is yet another example of how Aurora finds a way to build and grow while minimizing reliance on local tax dollars. It’s a unique formula that helps set this community apart.
The other exciting news about this grant is hearing AHDC’s plans to target this funding toward multi-unit housing. Aurora hasn’t had a new apartment complex built since 1995 and any local employer will confirm that it’s needed now more than ever to help give younger workers and families a place to call home.
Congratulations to everyone involved in making these resources available. It will be exciting to report construction plans and progress in the months and years ahead, knowing that when new housing units are built, new local residents will soon follow.
“If you build it, they will come ...” to which I would add, “... and hopefully stay to live, work and be part of this vibrant community.”
— Kurt Johnson