During a four-day trip across western Kansas, primarily in the northwest corner of the state, Lt. Gov. David Toland made a stop in Hays.

During the trip, he visited with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams while touring housing developments in the city along with Grow Hays' downtown co-working space, Briefspace.

“We’re really trying to take the temperature in this part of
the state,” Toland said. “(To) see how things are going, see where there are more opportunities
for growth and also where there are some pain points that are restricting
growth.”

Housing, he said, is one of the main areas of concern he noted
during the trip, along with workforce needs.

“I have asked in every town I have been in, ‘How many houses
do you have on the market?’ And the answers have ranged from zero to 12,” he said. “And
so there is a real scarcity of housing products in rural communities in
particular.”

He heard this message repeated during the tour but also sought input into how to best address the issue.

“What I try to do is ask a lot of questions and listen,”
Toland said. “These folks know best what their needs are and what it is going
to take to address that.”

“There is simply not enough units that are available right
now,” he said. “That creates pressure points for businesses, that creates
pressure points for families that are growing and so on down the line.”

To fully identify housing concerns, he said, Gov. Laura Kelly has launched the first statewide housing assessment in 27 years.

“That housing assessment is being conducted so that (we can)
understand how many units are needed, what types of units are needed …And then, where geographically do these units need to go in order to be able to support business
growth?” he said.

Locally, Toland visited the site of a rural housing incentive district at 22nd and Wheatland, a project designed to help create more workforce housing in Ellis County.

“He said it was great to see a project that was underway,” Williams said. “He signed off on a lot of these projects, but he has never been to one that is in progress.”

But along with the housing concerns, Toland said a shortage of labor is also harming area economies.

“There are longstanding issues with the availability of
labor,” he said. “Not just in northwest Kansas, but across the state.”

He noted 41,000 jobs in Kansas are currently unfilled and paired with
a 3.7 percent unemployment statewide, finding people to fill those jobs is a challenge.

“We need more bodies in the workforce and we need them now,” Toland said. “That’s the message we heard loud and clear from businesses.”

Among housing and workforce concerns, he said ancillary
factors must also be considered.

&nbsp;“We have really tried
to take an expansive view of what it means to do economic development and
consider all of the factors that make economic development efforts successful,” Toland said.

While Toland is currently serving as the lieutenant governor of Kansas, he has also retained his position as the state secretary of commerce but said the issues noted during the tour are a concern in both roles.

“The lieutenant governor role has melded nicely with what I was already
doing at commerce and continue to,” he said.

He also heads the governor's efforts in the Office of Rural Prosperity, a focus of the Kelly administration.

But the effect of the housing and labor shortages, Toland said, has negatively impacted the Kansas economy.

Overall, he said it has been growing over the
last decade, but that growth lags behind other states because of those concerns.

“So that’s what we are trying to change,” Toland said. “We
are trying to accelerate the growth and make sure we have growth, not just in
the metro areas, but throughout all parts of the state, ultimately that is why
I am here.”

Meanwhile, Williams said he was generally impressed with development in Hays.

“The lieutenant governor was impressed with what we have going on in Hays, and he had a lot of positive things to say about Hays, which is great," he said. "It’s always good to hear that from somebody outside the area."

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619208356288.jpeg" alt="Lt. Gov. David Toland speaks with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams at the site of a new housing development at 22nd and Wheatland in Hays." />
                        <figcaption>Lt. Gov. David Toland speaks with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams at the site of a new housing development at 22nd and Wheatland in Hays.</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Lt. Gov David Toland visits Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=583xe-1018c9c-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>During a four-day trip across western Kansas, primarily in the northwest corner of the state, Lt. Gov. David Toland made a stop in Hays.</p><p>During the trip, he visited with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams while touring housing developments in the city along with Grow Hays' downtown co-working space, Briefspace.</p><p>“We’re really trying to take the temperature in this part of
the state,” Toland said. “(To) see how things are going, see where there are more opportunities
for growth and also where there are some pain points that are restricting
growth.”</p><p>Housing, he said, is one of the main areas of concern he noted
during the trip, along with workforce needs.</p><p>“I have asked in every town I have been in, ‘How many houses
do you have on the market?’ And the answers have ranged from zero to 12,” he said. “And
so there is a real scarcity of housing products in rural communities in
particular.”</p><p>He heard this message repeated during the tour but also sought input into how to best address the issue.</p><p>“What I try to do is ask a lot of questions and listen,”
Toland said. “These folks know best what their needs are and what it is going
to take to address that.”</p><p>He said it comes down to a supply issue.</p><p>“There is simply not enough units that are available right
now,” he said. “That creates pressure points for businesses, that creates
pressure points for families that are growing and so on down the line.”</p><p>To fully identify housing concerns, he said, Gov. Laura Kelly has launched the first statewide housing assessment in 27 years.</p><p>“That housing assessment is being conducted so that (we can)
understand how many units are needed, what types of units are needed …And then, where geographically do these units need to go in order to be able to support business
growth?” he said.</p><p>Locally, Toland visited the site of a rural housing incentive district at 22nd and Wheatland, a project designed to help create more workforce housing in Ellis County.</p><p>“He said it was great to see a project that was underway,” Williams said. “He signed off on a lot of these projects, but he has never been to one that is in progress.”</p><p>But along with the housing concerns, Toland said a shortage of labor is also harming area economies.</p><p>“There are longstanding issues with the availability of
labor,” he said. “Not just in northwest Kansas, but across the state.”</p><p>He noted 41,000 jobs in Kansas are currently unfilled and paired with
a 3.7 percent unemployment statewide, finding people to fill those jobs is a challenge.</p><p>“We need more bodies in the workforce and we need them now,” Toland said. “That’s the message we heard loud and clear from businesses.”</p><p>Among housing and workforce concerns, he said ancillary
factors must also be considered.</p><p>&nbsp;“We have really tried
to take an expansive view of what it means to do economic development and
consider all of the factors that make economic development efforts successful,” Toland said.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619208405695.jpeg" alt="Lt. Gov. Toland speaks with reporters during a stop at BriefSpace in downtown Hays." />
                        <figcaption>Lt. Gov. Toland speaks with reporters during a stop at BriefSpace in downtown Hays.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>While Toland is currently serving as the lieutenant governor of Kansas, he has also retained his position as the state secretary of commerce but said the issues noted during the tour are a concern in both roles.</p><p>“The lieutenant governor role has melded nicely with what I was already
doing at commerce and continue to,” he said.</p><p>He also heads the governor's efforts in the Office of Rural Prosperity, a focus of the Kelly administration.</p><p>But the effect of the housing and labor shortages, Toland said, has negatively impacted the Kansas economy.</p><p>Overall, he said it has been growing over the
last decade, but that growth lags behind other states because of those concerns.</p><p>“So that’s what we are trying to change,” Toland said. “We
are trying to accelerate the growth and make sure we have growth, not just in
the metro areas, but throughout all parts of the state, ultimately that is why
I am here.”</p><p>Meanwhile, Williams said he was generally impressed with development in Hays.</p><p>“The lieutenant governor was impressed with what we have going on in Hays, and he had a lot of positive things to say about Hays, which is great," he said. "It’s always good to hear that from somebody outside the area."</p>

Kan. lieutenant governor recognizes need for housing during Hays visit

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8da5d13d-9536-498a-a07c-c6902a0843ba">To read more about the meeting click here.</a>

<div><iframe title="City officials discuss infrastructure during weekly meeting" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ud3ag-1018cb3-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8da5d13d-9536-498a-a07c-c6902a0843ba">To read more about the meeting click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: City officials discuss infrastructure during weekly meeting

<div><iframe title="Grilling safely starts with good equipment" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=dy4bm-1018c87-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Grilling safely starts with good equipment

In conjunction with the National Drug Take-Back Day, the Ellis County Drug Enforcement Unit, including members of the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office and the Hays Police Department, will be collecting unused and unwanted drugs Saturday in Hays.

The free event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the north side of the Ellis County Law Enforcement Center, 105 W. 12th.

During the event, deputies will meet participants at their car window as they pull up and will be conscious of COVID-19 concerns.

"We will be wearing masks to make sure you are safe and comfortable," Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun said. "We'll take your bags or you can throw them personally into those containers, but one way or another we will get those off your hands."

Drugs that can be dropped off include tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs.

By removing the drugs, the department hopes to lower the risk of someone using the drugs in ways that can be harmful.

"The Drug Enforcement Unit has seen a need for this and so has the DEA that started this program because people were using drugs that were left in the counter and the medicine cabinet," Braun said.

And during the COVID-19 pandemic, use has increased significantly.

"According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. has seen an increase in overdose deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 83,544 Americans overdosing during the 12-month period ending July 1, 2020, the most ever recorded in a 12-month period," according to the department. "The increase in drug overdose deaths appeared to begin prior to the COVID-19 health emergency but accelerated significantly during the first months of the pandemic."

Even more so, the amount of drugs collected nationally over the 10-year life of the programs shows the everyday need to remove unwanted drugs from homes.

"Since the time that it has started (nationally) 10 years ago, there have been over 6,800 tons of prescription drugs taken off the streets that don't end up in our kids' hands," Braun said.

While the effort helps keep people safe, it is also a good environmental effort, he said.

"Back in the day, we used to dump them down the toilet and then they would destroy and hit our water system," Braun said. "We found that is not the best practice."

He said the collection is kept anonymous to alleviate and privacy concerns.

Further Bruan said participants can blackout names on prescription bottles, or remove labels prior to drop off if they have concerns.

"I can assure you, your identity is kept safe and we will make sure that it makes it to the appropriate locations," he said.

While the effort brings attention to the issue, residents can also drop off unwanted drugs in a permanent drop box maintained by the department.

"We have a bin in the sheriff's office lobby, and we take them all year long," Braun said. "We will make sure they are secure and will make it to St. Louis to be destroyed."

<div><iframe title="Ellis County Drug Enforcement Unit set to collect unwanted prescription drugs Saturday" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=t4hcj-101796d-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=1"></iframe></div><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>In conjunction with the National Drug Take-Back Day, the Ellis County Drug Enforcement Unit, including members of the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office and the Hays Police Department, will be collecting unused and unwanted drugs Saturday in Hays.</p><p>The free event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the north side of the Ellis County Law Enforcement Center, 105 W. 12th.</p><p>During the event, deputies will meet participants at their car window as they pull up and will be conscious of COVID-19 concerns.</p><p>"We will be wearing masks to make sure you are safe and comfortable," Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun said. "We'll take your bags or you can throw them personally into those containers, but one way or another we will get those off your hands."</p><p>Drugs that can be dropped off include tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs.</p><p>By removing the drugs, the department hopes to lower the risk of someone using the drugs in ways that can be harmful.</p><p>"The Drug Enforcement Unit has seen a need for this and so has the DEA that started this program because people were using drugs that were left in the counter and the medicine cabinet," Braun said.</p><p>And during the COVID-19 pandemic, use has increased significantly.</p><p>"According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. has seen an increase in overdose deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 83,544 Americans overdosing during the 12-month period ending July 1, 2020, the most ever recorded in a 12-month period," according to the department. "The increase in drug overdose deaths appeared to begin prior to the COVID-19 health emergency but accelerated significantly during the first months of the pandemic."</p><p>Even more so, the amount of drugs collected nationally over the 10-year life of the programs shows the everyday need to remove unwanted drugs from homes.</p><p>"Since the time that it has started (nationally) 10 years ago, there have been over 6,800 tons of prescription drugs taken off the streets that don't end up in our kids' hands," Braun said.</p><p>While the effort helps keep people safe, it is also a good environmental effort, he said.</p><p>"Back in the day, we used to dump them down the toilet and then they would destroy and hit our water system," Braun said. "We found that is not the best practice."</p><p>He said the collection is kept anonymous to alleviate and privacy concerns.</p><p>Further Bruan said participants can blackout names on prescription bottles, or remove labels prior to drop off if they have concerns.</p><p>"I can assure you, your identity is kept safe and we will make sure that it makes it to the appropriate locations," he said.</p><p>While the effort brings attention to the issue, residents can also drop off unwanted drugs in a permanent drop box maintained by the department.</p><p>"We have a bin in the sheriff's office lobby, and we take them all year long," Braun said. "We will make sure they are secure and will make it to St. Louis to be destroyed."</p>

🎙 Drug Take-Back Day seeks to help keep area residents safe

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/976d0cae-b1a5-4325-a82c-04949f9e2d08">To read more click here.</a>

<div><iframe title="FHSU Foundation's inaugural Giving Day set for Thursday" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=spgdq-1016f77-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/976d0cae-b1a5-4325-a82c-04949f9e2d08">To read more click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU Foundation's inaugural Giving Day set for Thursday

<a href="https://hayschamber.com/sites/default/files/2021_editable_golf_tournament_flyer.pdf">The registration form can be found on the Hays Chamber website</a>.

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber Golf Tournament registration deadline approaching" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ie4vi-10093b6-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p><p><a href="https://hayschamber.com/sites/default/files/2021_editable_golf_tournament_flyer.pdf">The registration form can be found on the Hays Chamber website</a>.</p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber Golf Tournament registration deadline approaching

<div><iframe title="Center for Life Experiences helps those dealing with grief and loss" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=qdiec-10073d8-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Center for Life Experiences helps those dealing with grief and loss

<div><iframe title="Summer events planned in Ellis" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=e94zz-1005131-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Summer events planned in Ellis

<div><iframe title="FHSU sophomore awarded prestigious scholarship" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=8sxzb-100482c-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU sophomore awarded prestigious scholarship

<div><iframe title="FHSU Management Development Center strengthens area businesses" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=2ubnf-1001df0-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU Management Development Center strengthens area businesses

As locations across the U.S. deal with a shortage of
available housing, Hays and Ellis County have not been immune to the growing
problem.

With housing a critical part of the local economy, Grow Hays
Executive Director Doug Williams on Wednesday released a report on the housing market
as it stands now, how we got here and how it may be best addressed moving into
the future.

“This is the first time we have done this, but we believe
housing is such an integral part of economic development and growth that we thought
we would start an annual report as to what the situation is,” Williams said.

Through the report, Williams explains why housing is such a
critical part of the economic health of the area.

“I get asked sometimes by people, ‘Why are you so concerned
about housing? Why aren’t you out recruiting new businesses and manufacturers
and retails and restaurants and that type of thing?’ The reality is, we are,”
he said.

Williams said housing is a baseline for that recruitment,
noting in the report the base of economic needs is housing.

“If you don’t have adequate housing your ability to recruit
a business is negligible because they can’t find workforce,” Williams said.
“Housing and workforce tie directly together. We have got to resolve that issue
before we resolve any others.”

Last week, he noted in Ellis County there were only 31 homes
for sale, with only 15 of those below $250,000, 13 above $375,000, and — in
what he calls the sweet spot for housing prices, $175,000 to $225,000 — only
three homes were available.

And the year-built average of those three houses was 1971,
Williams said.

“So somebody moving to town, looking to relocate here, they
just don’t have much selection,” Williams said. “That presents some real
serious barriers for us to do some other things.”

That lack of affordable housing might be a reason why
potential businesses pass over Hays for another location.

“If a major employer is looking at relocating here and they
have got to bring in 40-50 to 100 people there isn’t any way we can do that
right now,” Williams said. “We have got to fix that problem.”

The lack of available housing in general also drives up
prices for the homes that are available, again echoing what is being seen on a
national scale.

In Hays, Williams said the average sale price for a single
family home in the Hays market went from $177,000 to $196,000 — about an 11
percent increase — in the last year alone, primarily due to the limited supply.

“When supply goes down and demand goes up, prices go up,”
Williams said. 

With the decreasing supply, he said another key measure of
the health of the housing market is the months supply of inventory available.

Ideally, a six-month supply will allow for an ideal balance
between buyers and sellers, Williams said.

One year ago, a five-month supply was available, but by year-end
that had dropped to only two months.

“And I would say we are a little bit lower than that right
now,” Williams said. “Two or less is way too low. We need to fix that.”

Williams said he believes the key driver for the low number
of houses on the market is ongoing low interest rates, which is also believed
to be a key reason for the national shortage.

“These are historically low interest rates,” Williams said.
“They make homes much more affordable and so traditional renters are able to
afford a new home, so that’s a big driver.”

He said overall population growth in Ellis County could be
affecting home availability as well.

“The two combined create a situation where we just don’t
have enough housing,” Williams said. 

Watch the housing report below or on youtube at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBXb5-apxKU">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBXb5-apxKU</a>.

<a href="http://growhays.com">For more information about Grow Hays, visit growhays.com.
</a>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/GrowHays/">The organization also maintains a presence on Facebook.</a>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574881377018.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>As locations across the U.S. deal with a shortage of
available housing, Hays and Ellis County have not been immune to the growing
problem.</p><p>With housing a critical part of the local economy, Grow Hays
Executive Director Doug Williams on Wednesday released a report on the housing market
as it stands now, how we got here and how it may be best addressed moving into
the future.</p><p>“This is the first time we have done this, but we believe
housing is such an integral part of economic development and growth that we thought
we would start an annual report as to what the situation is,” Williams said.</p><p>Through the report, Williams explains why housing is such a
critical part of the economic health of the area.</p><p>“I get asked sometimes by people, ‘Why are you so concerned
about housing? Why aren’t you out recruiting new businesses and manufacturers
and retails and restaurants and that type of thing?’ The reality is, we are,”
he said.</p><p>Williams said housing is a baseline for that recruitment,
noting in the report the base of economic needs is housing.</p><p>“If you don’t have adequate housing your ability to recruit
a business is negligible because they can’t find workforce,” Williams said.
“Housing and workforce tie directly together. We have got to resolve that issue
before we resolve any others.”</p><p>Last week, he noted in Ellis County there were only 31 homes
for sale, with only 15 of those below $250,000, 13 above $375,000, and — in
what he calls the sweet spot for housing prices, $175,000 to $225,000 — only
three homes were available.</p><p>And the year-built average of those three houses was 1971,
Williams said.</p><p>“So somebody moving to town, looking to relocate here, they
just don’t have much selection,” Williams said. “That presents some real
serious barriers for us to do some other things.”</p><p>That lack of affordable housing might be a reason why
potential businesses pass over Hays for another location.</p><p>“If a major employer is looking at relocating here and they
have got to bring in 40-50 to 100 people there isn’t any way we can do that
right now,” Williams said. “We have got to fix that problem.”</p><p>The lack of available housing in general also drives up
prices for the homes that are available, again echoing what is being seen on a
national scale.</p><p>In Hays, Williams said the average sale price for a single
family home in the Hays market went from $177,000 to $196,000 — about an 11
percent increase — in the last year alone, primarily due to the limited supply.</p><p>“When supply goes down and demand goes up, prices go up,”
Williams said. </p><p>With the decreasing supply, he said another key measure of
the health of the housing market is the months supply of inventory available.</p><p>Ideally, a six-month supply will allow for an ideal balance
between buyers and sellers, Williams said.</p><p>One year ago, a five-month supply was available, but by year-end
that had dropped to only two months.</p><p>“And I would say we are a little bit lower than that right
now,” Williams said. “Two or less is way too low. We need to fix that.”</p><p>Williams said he believes the key driver for the low number
of houses on the market is ongoing low interest rates, which is also believed
to be a key reason for the national shortage.</p><p>“These are historically low interest rates,” Williams said.
“They make homes much more affordable and so traditional renters are able to
afford a new home, so that’s a big driver.”</p><p>He said overall population growth in Ellis County could be
affecting home availability as well.</p><p>“The two combined create a situation where we just don’t
have enough housing,” Williams said. </p><p>Watch the housing report below or on youtube at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBXb5-apxKU">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBXb5-apxKU</a>.</p><p><a href="http://growhays.com">For more information about Grow Hays, visit growhays.com.
</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/GrowHays/">The organization also maintains a presence on Facebook.</a></p><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sBXb5-apxKU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Housing crisis hits home: Grow Hays releases Ellis Co. housing report

<div><iframe title="Sunflower Senior Solutions returns to delivering in person workshops" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=m3hra-fffc2f-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Sunflower Senior Solutions offering in person workshops

<div><iframe title="Hays Public Library remodel nears completion" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=gjawr-ffe1e4-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Public Library remodel nears completion

<div><iframe title="Brief Space; area businesses exploring a return to normal operations" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=k4ydd-ff9891-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Brief Space, businesses exploring return to 'normal'

<div><iframe title="USD 489 BOE approves HVAC purchase; activity bus" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=b4a5g-ff645f-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: USD 489 BOE approves HVAC purchase; activity bus

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber awards banquet set for Tuesday" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=3qnmq-ff471f-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber's virtual award banquet set for Tuesday night

<div><iframe title="Weed control for ag producers can benefit from early herbicide application" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=xa9pm-feb527-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Weed control for ag producers can benefit from early herbicide application

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber annual awards banquet set for next week" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=6ah2k-fe9a8b-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&square=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber annual awards banquet set for next week

<div><iframe title="Ellis County remains hotbed of entrepreneurship" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=hj6c3-fe436c-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis County remains hotbed of entrepreneurship

<div><iframe title="Spring a good time to review severe weather preperations" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=yyqxs-fe4313-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Spring a good time to review severe weather preperations

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger shares information about the upcoming Business Showcase Challenge and speaks with <a href="https://event.auctria.com/940b47c3-2028-4d81-9c58-4d8339174ade/?fbclid=IwAR1HQQS0t3ho241faM9zXej5bB3cMQPr12lOCKBen2zla0_AX7YMrwgMAXo">CASA of the High Plains executive director Tabitha Keith about their upcoming online auction fundraiser.</a>

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber prepares for first Business Showcase of 2021" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/4z29s-fdd2f9?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div><p>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger shares information about the upcoming Business Showcase Challenge and speaks with <a href="https://event.auctria.com/940b47c3-2028-4d81-9c58-4d8339174ade/?fbclid=IwAR1HQQS0t3ho241faM9zXej5bB3cMQPr12lOCKBen2zla0_AX7YMrwgMAXo">CASA of the High Plains executive director Tabitha Keith about their upcoming online auction fundraiser.</a></p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber prepares for first Business Showcase of 2021

<div><iframe title="New committee explores business retention and recruitment" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/vxru4-fd72b9?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: New committee explores business retention and recruitment

<div><iframe title="Ellis Lakeside Campground offers opportunity to explore town" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/jch89-fd7279?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis Lakeside Campground offers opportunity to explore town

<div><iframe title="City mask mandate ends in Hays" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/dr64n-fd7206?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: City mask mandate ends in Hays

<div><iframe title="FHSU SGA works to connect with the community through service" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/8jium-fd569b?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>