SPRINGFIELD, Mo.- City leaders released the 20th Community Focus Report for Springfield on Friday.
It highlighted where Springfield is excelling and where improvements could be made.
Community Focus Report released, here’s what they’ve found
Affordable housing was an issue that was red flagged during this year’s report. With about 60% of people in Springfield being renters, this is an issue that city leaders are working to find a solution to.
“We need to have city policies that actually meet the needs of the people of Springfield, and that is tenants,” Alice Barber said.
Housing has been on the community report since 2005. Barber, who is with Springfield Tenants Unite, says there is a way to get affordable housing to blue ribbon status.
“The number one solution is a healthy homes guarantee, rental licensing and inspections,” Barber said. “That is the gold standard for maintaining basic housing quality, basic life safety for all tenants all over Springfield.”
According to the report, 49 percent of renters are considered cost-burdened, meaning over a third of their income goes to housing accommodations.