In Covington, Kentucky, Mayor Ron Washington has announced the creation of a Housing Development Taskforce to tackle the city's housing shortage. This initiative aims to foster equitable residential growth and address what Washington sees as a significant challenge for his administration.
Mayor Washington emphasized the need for more housing options that meet the needs of the workforce. "We have too many productive people sleeping on couches or in their parents’ basements," he stated. "If we want Covington to grow in the right direction, we need to grow our housing stock in a way that reflects the needs of our workforce."
The taskforce will include developers, nonprofit leaders, educators, and planners who will guide the city's housing policy by identifying opportunities and addressing regulatory challenges. This move follows a 2023 study indicating that Northern Kentucky requires 6,650 new housing units by 2028, with Covington needing 891 units.
Despite having a higher percentage of rental housing than neighboring areas, Washington pointed out that this is insufficient. He highlighted the importance of catering to income earners in the $50,000 to $60,000 range and increasing one- and two-bedroom options.
A key part of this initiative involves revitalizing vacant and abandoned properties. These parcels are seen as opportunities despite being tax delinquent and costly for maintenance. Washington has requested that city staff identify ten city-owned vacant properties with high market potential for sale. The proceeds from these sales would be reinvested into the city's housing development program.
“This is about creating a virtuous cycle,” said Washington. “We’ll use the value of our most desirable assets to unlock opportunity in our most neglected spaces — and we’ll do it in a way that delivers real benefit to Covington’s working families.”
The taskforce's goals include expanding workforce housing inventory, preserving neighborhood history, revitalizing empty streetscapes with new homes, and reducing blighted property burdens.
Additionally, Covington continues investing in homebuyer assistance programs, emergency repairs, nonprofit rehab support, zoning reforms, and demolitions of dangerous structures.
Washington acknowledged more work is needed: “What we’ve started is good — but not enough. This taskforce is how we take the next big step.” The city plans to announce taskforce members soon and begin developing a blueprint for inclusive housing growth.