2017 Spencer Comprehensive Land Use Plan

Spencer, Iowa  2017  Comprehensive Plan

HOUSING TRENDS By the end of the 1990s and the early 2000s the economy, and the housing market, was robust across the Nation, State and parts of northwest Iowa. New residential subdivisions were being platted and new housing units constructed. The first half of the 2000 decade resulted in a strong period of new housing growth. The City of Spencer capitalized upon the regional and statewide housing growth of the late 1990s and early 2000s to increase the city’s housing stock. The Deerfield subdivision in west Spencer consisting of more than 125 lots developed over five phases was built over the past 15 years beginning in the late 1990s. Today, Deerfield

Photo of new single family residential development on Spencer’s south side

subdivision is nearly full with only a few lots remaining. Upon seeing development conclude in one part of the community, it is also exciting to see new single and multiple family housing developments begin in both the north and south sides of Spencer. These new housing subdivisions being platted and developed today, will lead to housing opportunities for tomorrows homeowners and new residents to Spencer. Since 2010, Spencer has experienced periods of encouraging new housing construction both in multiple family and single family dwelling units. With the potential for a strong housing economy during the next ten years, Spencer needs to continue to capitalize upon low interest rates, a favorable lending market and increasing wages to help spur new housing development in the community. Spencer’s housing efforts are representative of the collaborative efforts of city staff,

community leaders, the Spencer Chamber, and the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corp. The collaborative efforts of these municipal and public entities working with local and regional housing developers to construct new subdivisions and dwelling units in Spencer has resulted in housing successes for the community and its residents. To promote available housing options across all incomes and to impact all population segments within the community, city officials along with economic developers need to provide adequate land, utilities and community services.

Photo of single family residential development in the Deerfield Subdivision

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NW Iowa Planning & Development