Residents to be polled on housing needs

Mercer Economic Development Partnership (Mercer EDP) is working with the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA) to conduct a Comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment for Mercer County, with Mercer Growth Organization (MERGO) as the lead agency. Surveys will be mailed in a Western Illinois University envelope to households the week of November 10.

Residents are being asked to return the surveys via an enclosed self-addressed, stamped envelope by November 20. 

Results of the survey will be used to complete a comprehensive housing profile, and will help the Housing Committee gain a better picture of current housing conditions and needs for Mercer County. The Housing Committee is comprised of a cross section of the County, including among others, clergy, retired citizens, government, small business owners, industry, and realtors.

The Committee will assist Mercer EDP in identifying strategies to retain and promote affordable housing. A non-profit organization, MERGO worked with IIRA to secure funding for the project.  "This is a great opportunity for us to get input from residents about current housing conditions," said Tom Harris, board chair for Mercer County. "We appreciate MERGO's leadership in bringing this important tool to our community."

Mercer EDP is a collaborative effort with the City of Aledo, Mercer County, MERGO, and University of Illinois Extension that integrates social and economic goals in order to make a more powerful impact for community change and revitalization. Funds contributed by the local governments and MERGO are matched by state funds, enabling the University of Illinois Extension to operate a community and economic development (CED) office. For more information, contact Jenny Garner, CED Educator / Mercer EDP Office at (309) 582-7695.