Jun 5, 2006

For Immediate Release

Contact: Jennifer Dunn
             Lee County Economic Development Office
             (239) 338-3161

Horizon Council to Host Workforce Housing Symposium

FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 5, 2006)---The Horizon Council will host a Workforce Housing Symposium on June 22, 2006 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers.  The registration fee of $15 is due by June 12, 2006.  Registration forms can be downloaded online at www.swflworkforcehousing.com or can be obtained by calling (239) 338-3161.

Workforce housing is an important topic in Southwest Florida and throughout the nation.  In Lee County strong employment growth and a rapidly growing population have resulted in an increased demand for housing.  However, escalating real estate prices have made finding housing increasingly more difficult for the local workforce.
    
Staying on top of the multitude of factors impacting workforce housing in Southwest Florida is difficult at best.  That's where the Horizon Council Workforce Housing Symposium comes in as a critical tool for local business leaders.
 
State and national experts will be on hand to discuss topics such as employer assisted housing options, the economics of workforce housing, building density and builder incentive programs and inclusionary zoning, among others.
 
The forum will allow us to learn about the challenges of housing our workforce, hear how other communities deal with these concerns, and network with business people and others affected by this issue.  Attendees will also have the opportunity to give input through interactive polling throughout the day.

The Horizon Council of Lee County which is hosting the event, is a 62-member public-private organization that advises the Lee County Board of Commissioners on economic development issues.

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