Q1 Spring 2025 Convening
Q1 Spring 2025 Convening
At the Talent Collaborative of Greater Cincinnati's April 2025 Quarterly Convening, partners explored an issue that is becoming increasingly important to workforce development: housing. The discussion focused on how housing availability directly impacts employers' ability to attract and retain talent, making it both a community issue and an economic development priority.
The convening featured findings from a Northern Kentucky Area Development District (NKADD) housing study, which found that job growth is significantly outpacing the supply of affordable workforce housing. In Northern Kentucky's northern counties, there are approximately 2.68 workforce jobs for every affordable housing unit, creating challenges for workers and employers alike.
The study also found that the region's housing stock does not reflect changing workforce needs. While much of the available housing consists of larger single-family homes, demand is growing for smaller, more affordable options such as one- and two-bedroom units and "missing middle" housing. To keep pace with economic growth, the region is estimated to need 6,650 new housing units over the next five years, including more than 3,200 units affordable to workers earning $15 to $25 per hour.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway was that workforce development doesn't stop with education and training. Even essential workers, including teachers and distribution employees, can struggle to find housing they can afford near where they work. Addressing housing affordability and availability will be critical to supporting employers, attracting talent, and sustaining regional growth. [
The session also highlighted the importance of community collaboration, with NKADD engaging residents, local leaders, and organizations through housing coalitions, focus groups, and community data walks to identify solutions. The convening concluded with updates on Talent Collaborative initiatives focused on workforce coordination, career navigation, job quality, and expanding opportunity across the region. Together, these efforts reflect a shared commitment to building a stronger, more connected workforce ecosystem.
