Nebraska awards $1.5M grant for Hastings housing projects

HASTINGS, Neb. — The Nebraska Department of Economic Development announced a $1.5 million workforce housing grant for Hastings, complemented by a $550,000 local match.

Shannon Landauer, executive director of the Hastings Economic Development Corporation, said they are ready to begin developing dozens of new housing units.

"We need to have housing opportunity. And not just a few units, but a variety of units because everybody's situation is different," said Landauer.

The funding will be divided between two projects. One involves redeveloping the old Hastings Middle School into 68 apartment units. Although this project is on hold pending an EPA grant to clear asbestos, Landauer expressed excitement about repurposing the building to offer more options for workers, students or senior citizens.

"We do feel it's critical in terms of bringing new people to the community," Landauer said.

The second project will consist of approximately 28 two-story units with garages in the northern part of town, with rental prices under $250,000 or purchase costs below $325,000. According to city data, as of 2022, only about 1% of single-family houses were vacant. Landauer emphasized the importance of family housing options for attracting new residents.

"When people move to the community, especially when you have a family, apartments can be really tough," she said.

Mayor Jay Beckby, who has previously stated his goal of achieving a 1% population growth in the town over the next four years, said housing is crucial for attracting industry.

"That's a big piece of the pie to get that industry here. That you're prepared with proper housing and workforce housing for them to live in," Beckby said.

With a recent push to update land designations to accommodate more multiplexes, affordable housing is expected to remain a priority. "It was a great time to happen. I'm looking forward to growth, both industrial housing all around for putting Hastings on the map itself," Beckby added.

Landauer said they hope to commence both projects by the end of the year if all goes well.