Incentives to build new housing – both single-family homes and apartments – are proving successful in increasing the options for people looking for places to live in Republic County.

The Republic County Housing program has cultivated more coordinated building than Republic County has seen in at least the last 30 years. In the first six months of the program in 2023, there was the construction of eight homes, one 12-unit apartment building, and two – eight-unit apartment buildings.  The program has also inspired two builders to become developers.

The price of new construction is higher than the actual appraised value of the homes in Republic County. This has historically deterred new homes from being built, unless homeowners planned to make a lifelong commitment. This program has encouraged building because it is a supplement to the cost and bridges the gap between these two numbers.

The program provides a per unit subsidy for new construction. The program is a collaboration between Republic County Commissioners/High Banks Wind, Republic County Economic Development, the city of Belleville and local banks. A Hansen Foundation grant toward the project was matched locally.