đď¸ Can We Afford to Live Here?
A Community Recap of the Putnam County Housing Symposium
Hi friends,
Last month, community leaders, housing advocates, and curious citizens gathered to explore the data and plans presented at the Putnam County Housing Symposium. It was packed with charts, projections, and promisesâbut what does it all really mean for the people who live and work here?
We recorded a candid, honest, and sometimes critical conversation recapping the event. Three of usâdeeply engaged in local issues and passionate about making housing accessibleâsat down to talk through:
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The difference between "affordable" and "attainable" housing
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Whether $2,500 rents are realistic in Greencastle
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What zoning changes we desperately need
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How Airbnbs are reshaping our neighborhoods
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Whoâs being left out of the housing conversationâand why that matters
Itâs not polished. Itâs not sugar-coated. But itâs an important reflection of the voices that need to be heardâand the ideas that need to be wrestled withâif weâre going to get housing policy right.
Whether you're a renter, homeowner, policymaker, or just someone who cares, we hope youâll watch and share.
Because 36% of our neighbors are strugglingâand this affects all of us.
In solidarity,
Vince, Chris, and Kevin
Additional resources:
https://thrivewestcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Putnam-County-Potential-Market-Analysis.pdf
https://thrivewestcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Main-Tables_Putnam-County-IN-2025.pdf
https://thrivewestcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Target-Market-Descriptions_Putnam-County-IN-2025-1.pdf
https://www.upjohn.org/research-highlights/new-construction-makes-homes-more-affordable-even-those-who-cant-afford-new-units
https://commonwealthbeacon.org/housing/study-says-boosting-housing-production-tempers-rents/
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-20/does-building-new-housing-cause-gentrification





