Some development organizations have taken on the job of housing

Faulkton Area Economic Development Corp. – Faulkton, S.D.

The Faulkton Area Economic Development Corporation formed a partnership with the city after a survey through the Home Address program showed a need for homes.

“The city and county have been supportive of our efforts and have allocated money in their annual budgets for the FAEDC to help in many areas including housing,” FAEDC Secretary Linda Bartholomew said.

The all-volunteer FAEDC board of directors has a Housing Task Force in place.

Recently, however, the board hired Trevor Cramer, a member of the Housing Task Force, as economic development director. He started this position of the beginning of this year.

FAEDC, which began by cleaning up dilapidated properties, has future plans to develop lots outside of city limits.

“There are few areas to build new homes in city limits,” Cramer explained.

 

Grow Spink, Inc. – Redfield, S.D.

Grow Spink, Inc. joined forces with the city of Redfield in 2001.

“We started by acquiring a city block that was occupied by a salvage yard,” retired GSI director Craig Johnson said. This development, called the Sunrise Addition, now has six completed homes on eight lots.

GSI has invested in communities throughout Spink County, with its largest development including 90 acres of land on the west side of Redfield, which was platted into 52 lots.

“We have sold 22 lots, and we have 10 homes and a four-plex on this site we call Prairie Winds,” Johnson said.

Current GSI director Lisa Zens said this has benefited the community as a whole.

“Focusing on housing in our area is a vital role in helping other areas of economic development. Individuals thinking about relocating to Spink County will want a good home to live in,” she said.