COLUMBUS, Neb. — The City of Columbus is set to significantly expand its affordable housing options through a new partnership and strategic allocation of funds.

In August 2023, the city, with council approval, announced plans to allocate $1 million from discretionary funds and another $1 million from utility funds in the fiscal year 2023-2024 budget to address the critical need for more housing.

This commitment was followed by a key decision in November 2024, when the Community Development Agency (CDA), in collaboration with Mayor Jim Bulkley and the City Council, approved the sale of land at Vitality Village to Bierman Contracting Inc.

This partnership will result in a 238-unit apartment complex featuring a mix of townhomes, single-family homes, and low-housing units. Mayor Bulkley emphasized the project's significance, stating, "This will be a 300-plus door area, totally new affordable housing that we are trying to promote here in our community... We got together and did something, and this is a step in the right direction." He noted the city's previous success in filling new housing units, highlighting the high demand in Columbus.

Bulkley addressed the broader vision, saying, "We've got the businesses, now let's create the homes so our workforce can thrive right here—why not offer the complete package for every individual and family?" He also touched on the economic benefits of the housing initiative.

"We're doing our best to address that housing side. And I think our employers are seeing that. With that, maybe we will see some expansion with our employers and maybe some new things coming to Columbus."