Welcome to the Ideas of March. Over the next couple of weeks, the Source has partnered with Mansfield Rising and the Richland County Foundation to introduce 9 new ideas for a better Mansfield and Richland County. Each day will bring a new idea and a new opportunity. Tell us what you think of this idea by completing the feedback form at the bottom of this story!
MANSFIELD — Mansfield’s ability to grow and sustain its housing market is threatened by a shortage of skilled developers interested in completing projects in Mansfield.
There is lasting benefit in the cultivation of the next generation of homegrown talent to sustain community growth and attract new investment.
This initiative is designed to cultivate homegrown housing development talent by leveraging a comprehensive training curriculum and providing invaluable mentorship opportunities to first-time developers.
The program will equip aspiring developers with essential skills and knowledge while providing guidance from experienced professionals.
By nurturing emerging development talent, Mansfield can build a robust housing market which drives both community growth and economic prosperity.
Mentorship program
The cornerstone of this initiative is the mentorship program.
Each participant is paired with a seasoned housing developer based on their chosen specialization track and career aspirations.
Mentors will provide regular guidance, support, and feedback which will enrich the
learning experience.
Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to network and collaborate through local development forums, industry workshops, and community events, fostering a sense of collaboration and shared purpose.
The Richland County Housing Study identified the need for our community to either attract more development firms to Mansfield, or increase the capacity to create its own housing developers to meet the needs and grow our community.
RELATED NEWS
Richland County sees increased interest from housing developers
ONTARIO — Housing development was a hot topic during a Richland County mayoral panel hosted this week by the Richland Area Chamber. A countywide housing study conducted in 2023 outlined a dire need for housing development. Based on trends from the past decade, the authors projected Richland County will need to add 2,475 owner-occupied units…
By growing our own developers, Mansfield will reduce reliance on outside companies to see value in our community.
Successful homegrown projects will naturally increase external demand, which is good for everyone.
Project breakdown
Est. Cost: This project would cost approximately $80,000/year for a three-year pilot period.
Potential Partners: The partners involved in this project include the Richland County Foundation, Richland Area Chamber and Economic Development, North Central State College, Richland County Financial Institutions, Richland County Land Bank, Mansfield Metropolitan Housing Authority, and the Habitat for Humanity.
Timeline: The timeline for this project is 12 to 18 months to develop curriculum, confirm university partners, and recruit mentors.
We estimate each cohort will last one year.
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