For the Tomahawk Leader

TOMAHAWK – The City of Tomahawk, Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce, Tomahawk Main Street Inc., and Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation, with assistance from UW-Madison Lincoln County Extension, this week launched a housing survey “to help determine housing needs in the Tomahawk Community,” according to a release from Tuesday, Oct. 13.

“Similar to many other rural areas, there is a lack of housing options in the Tomahawk area,” the release stated. “The housing survey seeks to find out what types of housing are needed and desired by area businesses and residents.”

“Housing needs in the Tomahawk region affect everything from our economic development and workforce retention to our aging population,” stated Jesica Witte, Executive Director, Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce. “We know there are severe gaps in housing availability and look forward to this study helping us to clearly identify those needs in our community.”

Results from the survey will be used to “develop a comprehensive picture of housing needs in the Tomahawk community that can be shared with area businesses, real estate developers, and residents.”

“Tomahawk’s population is projected to remain relatively constant through 2040 and the lack of population growth can deter developers from taking on projects in the area,” the release said. “However, additional housing can be needed due to declining household size (the members of a household) or different housing needs. For example, there has been significant growth in the number of adults living alone. This creates a need for additional housing units.”

“Developers, whether they are multi-unit housing developers or business and industry developers need to know a community can support their investments,” Witte stated. “This study is a great first step in helping us to bring those entities to Tomahawk.”

The survey, available at at https://go.wisc.edu/eeq5b1, opened to responses on Thursday, Oct. 15 and can be completed using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Survey information will be included with municipal utility bills, and paper copies are available at the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce, 208 N. 4th St., Tomahawk; Tomahawk City Hall, 23 N. 2nd St., Tomahawk; and the Tomahawk Public Library, 300 W. Lincoln Ave., Tomahawk.