TAHLEQUAH – The first phase of a comprehensive housing study by the Cherokee Nation predicts a deficit of $1.75 billion in housing for Cherokee citizens in the region over the next decade with a need of more than 8,800 housing units of all types and price points.
Todd Enlow, executive director of housing programs and senior advisor, highlighted the report’s findings Oct. 15 during council committee meetings. Leaders say that phase 1 of the study is a critical step in advancing Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner’s historic Housing, Jobs, and Sustainable Communities Act.
“While we know that the housing crisis across this country has burdened Cherokee families, our new housing study is helping us fully identify where gaps exist so we can find solutions moving forward,” Hoskin said. “We have an opportunity to lead on solving this housing crisis. With permanent resources at our disposal thanks to the council’s recent approval of a permanent Housing, Jobs and Sustainable Communities Act, Cherokee Nation is going to lead the way.”…