Boone County, MO Government

Boone County News Release

Press Archives Press Room

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Joanne Nelson, Director
Boone County Community Services Department
Phone: (573) 886-7205
Email: jnelson@boonecountymo.org

RFP Released for County-Wide Housing Study to Advance Affordable Housing in Columbia and Boone County

June 14, 2023 – The County of Boone and City of Columbia have taken a significant step towards addressing the pressing need for affordable housing by releasing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a comprehensive county-wide housing study. This study aims to inform and guide initiatives that will increase the availability of affordable housing options within the region.

The escalating challenges faced by individuals and families in finding suitable housing options have prompted the County and City to collaborate in a concerted effort to identify effective strategies. The housing study will play a pivotal role in shaping future policies and programs, as well as fostering sustainable and inclusive communities in Columbia and Boone County.

This initiative is an integral part of the Boone County Upward Mobility Action Plan, aimed at fostering economic progress and improving quality of life for all residents. The Boone County Upward Mobility Action Plan was released in June 2022 and included a workgroup focused on fair and inclusive housing. The workgroup identified multiple strategies, including conducting a county-wide housing study. The Boone County Community Services Department is releasing the RFP and overseeing the housing study. 

The RFP invites qualified organizations, research institutions, and consultants with expertise in housing studies to submit proposals that outline their approach to comprehensively analyzing the current housing landscape. The selected contractor will be tasked with conducting an in-depth examination of the existing housing market, evaluating demographic trends, and identifying the specific barriers to affordable housing within the county.

Key objectives of the housing study include:

  1. Analyzing demographic data and trends for Boone County.
  2. Analyzing economic conditions for Boone County, including disparities observed between demographic data, economic conditions, and the housing market.
  3. Analyzing the homeownership and rental housing market in Boone County.
  4. Identifying and measuring capacity of organizations offering supportive housing services.
  5. Calculating and forecasting gaps between the County’s current housing stock and projected needs.
  6. Evaluating policy and regulatory frameworks that impact affordable housing initiatives.
  7. Recommending evidence-based strategies and best practices to increase affordable housing availability.
  8. Engaging with community stakeholders and organizations to gather input and insights.

"The county-wide housing study represents an important first step in our commitment to addressing the complex issue of affordable housing," said Commissioner Kip Kendrick, Boone County Presiding Commissioner. "By gaining a comprehensive understanding of our current situation and by identifying viable options moving forward, we want to ensure that local government has a seat at the table and is part of the solution."

The RFP process officially opened on June 13, 2023. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their proposals by July 25, 2023, by 12:00p.m. CT. The names of all offerors will be read on July 27, 2023, at the 1:30p.m. Commission meeting. All submissions will be thoroughly reviewed and evaluated by a dedicated panel of experts representing the City and County.

This joint initiative between the County of Boone and the City of Columbia reflects their commitment to fostering affordable housing opportunities. By proactively addressing the challenges at hand, they aspire to create a community where residents from all walks of life can thrive.

For more information regarding the RFP and the county-wide housing study, interested parties are encouraged to visit https://www.showmeboone.com/purchasing/ or contact Melinda Bobbitt at mbobbitt@boonecountymo.org. More information on the Boone County Upward Mobility Action Plan can be found at https://www.showmeboone.com/community-services/upward-mobility.asp.

About Boone County Community Services Department

The mission of Boone County Community Services Department is to support the greatest possible level of independence and self-sufficiency of Boone County residents by promoting their physical, mental and social well-being to cultivate a safe and healthy community. The Boone County Community Health & Medical Fund is funded through the Boone County Hospital Lease.



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