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<br />Summary of Telephone Discussions with Business Owners regarding Housing in the City of Ramsey <br />October 9, 2007 <br /> <br />Overview: As part of the work plan to update the City's master housing plan, it was important to hear <br />from the business leaders regarding the need for quality and choices in housing that meets the <br />current and future labor force needs. Approximately 12 Ramsey businesses were targeted to gain <br />feedback regarding housing needs for businesses in the City of Ramsey. A postcard mailing was sent <br />to those businesses and a follow-up call was made by the housing consultant. Of the calls made, 6 <br />businesses provided feedback regarding the following questions. Those businesses included the <br />following: Ace Solid Waste (garbage hauler), Altron, Inc. (electronic assembly), Connexus Energy, <br />Panther Precision Machine (Machine Shop), Ramsey Elementary School, Village Bank. Unfortunately, <br />the consultant was unable to reach the retail type businesses. <br /> <br />1. Do you feel that Ramsey has a good quality housing supply? <br /> <br />· All of the business leaders felt that Ramsey has a good quality housing supply and a good mix <br />of di~ferent housing styles. <br /> <br />2. Do you feel that your employees are able to live in Ramsey if they chose to? <br /> <br />· Most of the business leaders felt that their employees are able to find housing if they choose to <br />live in Ramsey. A couple members were not sure and unable to make an opinion. <br /> <br />3. "Are you aware of any housing-related problems that your employees are facing (foreclosure, <br />overcrowding, lack of affordability, maintenance, etc)"? . <br /> <br />· All of the business leaders were unaware of any housing related problems of their employees. <br /> <br />4. Is a balanced housing stock (such as an adequate supply of lower priced, medium priced and <br />high priced housing) important to your current and future business vitality and ability to attract <br />quality employees? <br /> <br />· All of the business leaders felt that a balanced housing stock is important. The majority felt that <br />their employees are within medium priced homes. <br />· All of the business leaders have employees who live in the community. <br /> <br />5. Do you think it is important for the City to support affordable rental and ownership housing so that <br />lower paid employees can live closer to work? <br /> <br />· The responses to this question were mixed. The majority felt that it is important conceptually <br />but that it does not seem to be a current issue in their ability to attract good employees due to <br />the average wages paid. One company did not feel that the City should be involved in <br />providing affordable housing and that they are able to attract employees from all across the <br />north metro area. <br /> <br />6. Other comments: The following were general comments regarding Ramsey's housing and their <br />business. <br /> <br />· The average wage is $15 per hour and most of their employees come from north of the river. <br />· The company has not had a problem attracting good employees due to the community or <br />lack of housing options. Their employees come from the north metro and farther north cities. <br />· Not aware of employees who were not able to buy a home in Ramsey or live in Ramsey if they <br />chose to. Felt that the community's housing is fairly diverse. <br />