Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates running for Spring Hill mayor to address leading up to the Nov. 4 election.
Based on that feedback, we developed a five-item questionnaire centering the issues most important to Spring Hill residents.
Each day this week, we’re publishing the candidates’ responses to one question.
Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:
Housing: Many factors driving Johnson County’s tight and expensive housing market are out of local cities’ control, yet there are some things cities can do to try to address this issue, from incentivizing affordable housing developments to tweaking zoning codes that allow for more diverse types of housing. What policies would you like your city to pursue to make housing in your city potentially more affordable? Is this a priority for you?
Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on this issue:
Rodolfo Arevalo
Affordable housing is a priority that must be considered as the city continues to grow. As a member of the Spring Hill Planning Commission, I have been supportive of diverse types of housing units and subdivisions that provide a mix of housing types. The Planning Commission has reviewed housing codes and has made changes and adjustments in the past few years. I would continue to support periodic review of housing codes as the city grows.
Chad Young
Housing affordability is an important issue in every growing community, and Spring Hill is no exception. While some market factors are beyond our control, we can take steps locally to ensure a balanced mix of housing options that meet the needs of families, seniors, and first-time buyers — while maintaining the character of our community.
In my last four years on council, I’ve both supported and opposed different types of housing developments based on location, available infrastructure, schools, and city services. My goal has always been to ensure each project fits responsibly within the community and doesn’t outpace the resources that support it. I believe we can review our zoning codes to encourage more diverse housing types — such as smaller single-family homes, patio homes, and quality duplexes — while maintaining neighborhood standards and long-term value.
We also need to work with developers to ensure affordable options are part of our overall housing plan and that infrastructure requirements like roads, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and trails are fully met at the time of construction, not deferred.
As mayor, my priority will be to balance affordability with quality — ensuring new housing supports our long-term goals, not short-term gains. By planning responsibly and maintaining high development standards, we can help keep Spring Hill an attractive and attainable place for families to live, work, and stay.
