Governor Pillen Attends Ribbon Cutting for Housing Made Possible With Help by PCDC

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen recently visited the town of Bertrand for an honorary ribbon cutting of its new five-unit apartment complex. The Governor celebrated the first homes built in Bertrand since 2008, all of which are already full and have a waitlist for vacancies. 

These apartments were built through a collaboration of multiple parties. They were financially supported through a forgivable loan by the Phelps County Development Corporation (PCDC), a grant by the Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund (NAHTF), and a loan from the First State Bank of Loomis.  

“Increasing housing availability is one of our top properties,” says Ron Tillery, Executive Director at PCDC. “You can’t bring new residents to Phelps County without giving them somewhere to live. By increasing housing availability, we grow the workforce, which makes our region more attractive to employers.” 

The housing development in Bertrand is just one part of a big-picture plan to increase multiple types of housing in the region over the next few years. 

Governor Pillen Sees Housing as an Investment in the Future

This apartment duplex creates housing for five families in Phelps County, but it also represents future growth in the region. During his ribbon-cutting speech, Governor Pillen compared building homes in rural communities to buying a farm: it is a long-term investment that will reap rewards. By investing in housing now, Nebraska is preparing to support the next several generations who call the Cornhusker State home.  

After visiting the five-plex, Governor Pillen also toured another housing development in the region, further emphasizing the importance of building homes in Phelps County. 

There is a Need for All Types of Housing in Phelps County

The two stops by Governor Pillen highlight the diverse housing needs of Phelps County. Some established workers and their families move to the region and want to buy their homes, while others prefer to rent. These housing efforts support individuals, couples, and families alike.

“Just like we need a variety of employers that represent multiple industries and hire diverse skill sets, Phelps County also needs multiple types of housing,” says Tillery. “We celebrate the development of affordable houses, single-family homes, apartment complexes, and townhouses. Different housing options meet the needs of different residents.”

PCDC keeps a finger on the pulse of the community to identify its most pressing housing needs. There are multiple housing projects in development at the same time to support different residents. 

PCDC Uses Forgivable Loans to Continuously Build

PCDC housing programs support current and future Phelps County residents. More than 2,200 employees commute to Holdrege for work each day, which takes time away from their families and brings their incomes out of the region. By increasing the housing supply, these workers can live where they work and support local retailers and restaurants.

Prospective residents also benefit from housing growth because they can find homes that meet their size needs. Growth in the region helps existing employers find top candidates while attracting new businesses.

“PCDC has a cycle to build, sell, and then roll the profits into the next development,” says Tillery. “While we are excited to see the Bertrand homes are already rented out, we have other plans to reinvest the funds into the next housing community.”  

Learn About PCDC’s New Housing Programs

Residents and business owners frequently ask PCDC staff about addressing housing problems in the community. Our team at PCDC has responded with a dedicated page for discussing new housing opportunities. We frequently update the page with new projects and timelines for completion.

If you want to have a say in housing in Phelps County, contact PCDC today and make yourself heard. You can also become a partner and invest in the future of your community. We cannot wait to grow with you.

Phelps County Development Corporation has the tools, information, and skills to assist you with relocation for your business or family. PCDC is ready to help with housing and project advocacy, including permitting, timely utilities, and financial assistance. Contact PCDC at (308) 995-4148 or pcdc@phelpscountyne.com today. To further explore “Why Phelps,” download the community guide.

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