HOUSING AND INFRASTRUCTURE Similar to its civic counterparts, Corpus Christi is experiencing challenges in the housing market, with inventory levels struggling to keep up with demand.“Looking at the city as a whole, we do have tight inventory, so we are working with developers to continue to develop that single-family housing stock, and to diversify our housing,” Hurlbert explains. One notable project involves the conversion of an abandoned hotel built in the 1970s. “It’s a rock solid hotel that has up to 400 rooms, and they’re converting it into workforce housing units,” she recounts. “We are going to help them a little bit with subsidies to help buy that rent down a little bit.” Hurlbert further highlights that this project is creating an opportunity to repurpose a vacant space without the need for extensive new infrastructure. Additionally, the building is five minutes from several of the city’s major industries, making it an ideal location for workforce housing. As it grows, the city is investing in its critical infrastructure, including securing a sufficient water supply for the future.“We are moving forward with a desalination plant,” Hurlbert reports. “Over the past 50 years, we’ve secured surface water, which has worked well, but that is still very much dependent on rain. This will provide us with a drought-proof water supply.” The first plant is expected to produce up to 50 million gallons per day, with the possibility of future expansion. PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE As Corpus Christi continues to grow, workforce development remains a top priority. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi attracts many students to the community, and the city is collaborating with the university to find ways to retain graduates. Additionally, Del Mar College offers training programs 96 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09
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