GALVA, Ill. — Residents in Henry, Mercer and Stark Counties are being asked to participate in a housing survey that will allow researchers to better understand issues impacting rural areas.
The survey is being conducted by the University of Illinois Extension that serves those three counties.
The survey is asking for residents' input on numerous aspects of housing, including cost, availability and quality. The deadline to finish the survey is April 15 and is available online here. According to a press release, "the study aims to tackle issues related to housing accessibility, affordability, and quality, paving the way for informed policymaking and sustainable development."
Paper copies are also available at the U of I Extension offices and can be picked up at the following locations:
- Henry/Stark County Extension office: 358 Front St. Galva, Illinois
- Mercer County Extension office: 910 13th St. Viola, Illinois
Hours for both locations are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.
Residents can also request a paper survey and postage-paid return envelope by calling (309) 756-9978. Thousands of households in all three counties have also been mailed hard copies as well, according to U of I.
“Housing has been identified as a major issue at both the national level and in our communities, as well," Russell Medley said, who is leading the survey and is a community and economic development educator. "The ability to address this important issue has impacts on our communities’ ability to grow, maintain the local tax base, and promote economic development.”
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