Next Generation Housing Background

The original goal for the Next Generation Housing Initiative was set in October 2021 with the Kick-off Event. Since then, there have been various changes in the housing market. The Next Generation Housing 2.0 Framework was approved in June 2024 with revised goals and price points.

NGH Vision

Navigating housing opportunities, providing attainable housing options and building a diverse housing population.

NGH Goals

• Providing 1,000 new owner-occupied housing units in Next Generation Housing developments with 40% being sold for under $340,000, 80% under $360,000, and 100% under $420,000, including home and lot/site, by 2032.
• Overcoming barriers to home ownership for our next generation.
• Satisfying the basic need of obtaining quality homes within 30% of household income.

Price Point Analysis

The Community Development Department will complete a Price Point Analysis evaluating market trends on a bi-annual basis as it relates to the Next Generation Housing Initiative. As part of the Next Generation Housing Framework 2.0 update, the first Price Point Analysis was completed.

2024 Price Point Analysis

Next Generation Housing Kick-off Event

On October 7th, 2021, Washington County hosted the Next Generation Housing Kick-off Event. During the kick-off, County Executive Josh Schoemann provided information on the new Community Development Department, introduced the Community Development Director and provided details what Next Generation Housing Initiative is trying to achieve. EDWC provided a presentation on a workforce study that was completed detailing the shortage in the workforce and the difficulties of purchasing a home in the County. Following the EDWC presentation, a panel of private sector businesses presented their perspective on the workforce shortage and housing shortage and gave their support for this new program. Lastly, there was closing remarks from the County Executive. The event had about 100 local government officials and private sector businesses in attendance. The two hour long Next Generation Housing Kick-Off Event livestream is below.

See the Next Generation Housing Event PowerPoint presentation. 

The Next Generation Housing Committee and Workgroup

The Community Development Department established the Next Generation Housing Committee comprised of local governments, economic development professionals, and other key stakeholders in November 2021. The Committee worked diligently to provide their expertise and knowledge on housing development for the initial years of the housing program. As an advisory committee to the Washington County Executive Committee, they provided an initial review of project proposals.

In March 2025, the Next Generation Housing Committee was disbanded and transformed into the Next Generation Housing Workgroup. The Next Generation Housing Workgroup will include participation from local governments, municipal Plan Commissions, builders, developers, Hartford Area Development Corporation, Economic Development Washington County, lenders, realtors, and other Ad Hoc groups involved in housing to participate in discussions. The goal for the Workgroup is to continue the dialogue between municipalities and other relevant agencies as it relates to housing in Washington County.