Covington mayor announces members of new Housing Development Taskforce

Mayor Ron Washington has announced the members of Covington's newly formed Housing Development Taskforce. This taskforce aims to develop strategies to expand the city's housing stock for working families.

"This critical taskforce is comprised of individuals who bring the necessary vision and professional acumen to build a strategy that will grow our housing stock to meet the needs of Covington’s working families," said Mayor Washington.

The taskforce includes professionals such as Fritz Kuhlmann, Tara Noem, Jean Schroer, Anthony Bradford, David Spaulding, Shannon Ratterman, Tony Kreutzjans, David Hastings, Kareem Simpson, Tom Covert, Shad Sletto, Joe Hansbauer, Wonda Winkler, Lisa Dressman, and Jordan Huizenga.

In addition to input from the taskforce, community feedback will be sought through formal roundtable discussions planned for later this year. The initiative was first announced by Mayor Washington at the May 13 Board of Commissioners meeting. It includes plans to revitalize vacant and abandoned properties in Covington for accessible housing.

The taskforce's goals are to expand workforce housing inventory, protect neighborhood history, rejuvenate empty streetscapes with new homes, and reduce the burden of blighted properties. A study by the Northern Kentucky Area Development District indicated a need for 6,650 new housing units in the region by 2028; Covington requires 891 units alone.

"This taskforce is a vital first step to ensure that the people who are the backbone of our city – the teachers, tradespeople, and service workers – have access to affordable housing," stated Washington. He emphasized that the process will be inclusive and "community driven."

Community members interested in participating can contact Sebastian Torres at Sebastian.Torres@covingtonky.gov or (859) 292-2318.