Where and how we build housing is directly tied to land and resource consumption. That’s why Georgia Conservancy is approaching our state’s housing challenges through the lens of land and water conservation.
Through a new housing study for the City of Waycross and Ware County, we are helping local leaders better understand housing needs and development and conservation opportunities.
The timing of the housing study is critical: throughout both Ware County and the City of Waycross, a shortage of available, quality homes is an increasingly urgent issue. Data suggests that 1 in 5 homes in the county, and 1 in 4 in the city, are vacant – meaning these homes are sitting empty during a time of soaring housing costs for homeowners and renters alike. Beyond the shortage of available homes, residents have diverse and evolving needs, including workforce housing and options for seniors and young professionals. Georgia Conservancy’s role is to address these needs through practical, context-sensitive strategies.
Ware County also includes portions of the beloved Okefenokee Swamp, one of Georgia’s most treasured natural landscapes. The Okefenokee recently received UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, and national and international attention is increasing, with the potential to boost tourism and draw visitors eager to experience its unique beauty.
Nature-based tourism offers meaningful economic opportunities and highlights the need for proactive planning. A growing visitor economy can create jobs in hospitality and recreation, and those workers need attainable, quality housing. Thoughtful housing development can strengthen local communities and
the natural landscapes that define them.
“Low-intensity residential development is the #1 driver of land use change in the state of Georgia,” says Michaela Master, Georgia Conservancy Planning Lead. “Georgia Conservancy’s response to this challenge is to develop a local housing strategy that emphasizes attainable housing as well as stewarding land as a precious, limited resource. Though this is urgently needed in Waycross, the lessons learned will bolster Georgia Conservancy’s work statewide.”
In July, Georgia Conservancy hosted a community symposium in Waycross to connect with residents, decision-makers, and local partners to discuss their concerns and their hopes for the future. While presenting our findings to more than 50 attendees, we gathered important feedback, answered questions, and gained a better understanding of the community’s wants and needs.
“Georgia Conservancy provided an honest and detailed housing study and needs assessment for our community,” says Jason Rubenbauer, CEO of Waycross-Ware County Development Authority. “This information is critical for the many housing challenges that rural communities face. The data and facts presented allow our local governments to collaborate to address the needs, which will help promote stronger economic activity for a brighter future in a globally competitive landscape.”
The Waycross and Ware County Housing Study follows our recently completed housing assessment for the City of Cornelia. It is one of 13 community housing studies that we’ve facilitated across Georgia.
Click here to read the final report for the Waycross and Ware County Housing Study.