Online survey to assess housing needs for those working, living in Verde Valley

COTTONWOOD — As part of a regional study, an online survey was launched Monday for Verde Valley residents and workers to help determine the direction of future housing development.

The study, to be completed by Elliott D. Pollack and Co., will identify challenges and recommend solutions for the Verde Valley housing shortage. The survey is open to anyone who works and/or lives in the Verde Valley.

In a news release Monday, the City of Cottonwood said the survey will take about 10 minutes to complete. It can be found online at verdevalleyhousing.com.

The study is being paid for by municipal governments and other Verde Valley entities. In late 2019, Yavapai County agreed to contribute $15,000 for the study. The Cottonwood and Camp Verde councils each put up $10,000 and Clarkdale contributed $4,000.

To maximize the success of the housing study, the city said, organizations, business owners and are asked to share the survey within their organizations, social networks and other local associates to ensure adequate responses are received.

“We’ve already contacted some of our larger employers,” Cottonwood City Manager Ron Corbin said while announcing the survey at a Jan. 5 City Council meeting. “We’ll have fliers out on our transit buses. Help us understand the exact housing situation in the Verde Valley.”

Cottonwood Tourism and Economic Development Director Tricia Lewis said the survey will remain open for about two weeks. That time could be extended by the Verde Valley Regional Economic Organization.

Corbin said the responses will be turned over to Yavapai College, which will help process the results as part of the study.

The study originated after the City of Sedona contracted with Pollack and Co., in July 2019, for a housing study that cost $100,000. That’s when other Verde Valley entities began discussing a regional study to go with its Sedona companion.

Sedona’s survey is completed and was discussed at a December special meeting.

The City of Cottonwood said the survey information provided is confidential and will not be shared with any employer or business.