Civil Municipal Magazine - Nov 2023

78 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 11 safety and the inclusion of drought-resistant landscaping. Mayor Watkins underscores the importance of greenscaping and the widened sidewalks’ potential for outdoor dining. Bratley also mentions the significant downtown investments, including a $30 million courthouse project, highlighting the benefits for county employees and the local service sector. Addressing the Housing Challenge The nationwide housing shortage and affordability crisis are a pressing concern for many municipalities, and Kingman is no exception. As the city experiences growth, ensuring adequate and affordable residential options becomes paramount. Bratley sheds light on the current housing landscape: “Within and just outside the city limits of Kingman, several housing developments are underway—these range from potential 50- lot projects to larger 100-lot ventures. While many local builders are involved, we also see interest from builders who have worked throughout the state. Despite the growth, like many communities, we face challenges in housing. A significant influx of residents from Southern California is driving demand. To address this, we have apartment projects in the pipeline, potentially adding between 200 to 500 units over the next 3 to 5 years. The city is