Business View Civil & Municipal l November 2022

26 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 9 sewer access and other utility additions. Chrisman Development is a second development partner that is working on a 60-unit affordable housing project to provide opportunities for some residents who may otherwise have a difficult time affording a new home. “Housing is something we need to make sure is available because other (communities) are struggling with it,” Smith says. “If we invest in public infrastructure, it makes it more affordable for us to build housing. While Monte Vista Homes and Chrisman are two of the city’s most valuable partners, Umatilla County has proven to be just as important because of its ability to support infrastructure developments as well, including for housing, retail and industrial. One major project was a water tower that serves residents roughly 100 acres. Smith indicates that Umatilla County was a partner in the construction of Hermiston’s new The lack of affordable housing has become a regional issue in the wake of the pandemic with increasing home values and consumer demand. Hermiston is actively taking steps to ensure there are options for current and new residents. One housing development is Prairie Meadows, located in a part of town that previously never had access to water and sewer infrastructure, Prairie Meadows is an attractive option for middle and upper-middle-class homeowners. The 353-acre site is in the city limits near the intersection of Highway 207 and Feedville Road with a community park to the east. The project is being led by developer Monte Vista Homes, a company that has worked with the city on multiple projects for more than 20 years. It includes 1,300 new housing units with options for homeowners at a variety of income levels. Public and private partnerships are in place for financing that supports water and At Umatilla Electric, we’re shaped by the people we serve. As a community-owned utility, we are driven to be more than a business, we are your energy partner. WWW.UMATILLAELECTRIC.COM Photo Credit: Desiree Posey