School of Planning and Public Affairs graduate students partnered with the City of West Branch to conduct a comprehensive housing needs assessment and develop informed recommendations for local housing policy and programming.

As West Branch experiences development pressures and demographic shifts, city leaders sought a clearer understanding of current and projected housing needs to guide decision-making. Students analyzed housing supply, demand, affordability, and demographic trends using a combination of quantitative data, stakeholder interviews, and community engagement. The project also explored barriers to housing development, gaps in the existing housing stock, and opportunities to support a diverse range of housing types that meet the needs of residents across income levels and life stages.

Deliverables included a detailed housing needs assessment report, a set of policy and programmatic recommendations tailored to West Branch’s unique context, and a toolkit. Recommendations addressed zoning and land use, incentives for affordable and workforce housing, rehabilitation strategies for existing housing, and partnerships with developers and nonprofit organizations.

This project provided students with real-world experience in housing analysis, rural planning, and community collaboration, while supporting West Branch in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable local housing future.