Room to Grow – But How?

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

Two very different housing options – a traditional apartment complex and a 55-and-older residential community – could bring benefits to Moore County, but also raise questions about growth, infrastructure, and the community's long-term identity.

The interest in additional housing stems from a shortage of available rental units in Moore County, as well as the growing demand from younger workers seeking affordable housing and older residents looking to downsize their living arrangements.

These are two potential solutions to the same need. The real question is which solution fits the community’s goals for the next 10, 20, or 30 years.

Workforce Shortage Challenges

Southern Middle Tennessee, like much of the state, continues to face a shortage of skilled workers across several key sectors – an issue that state leaders say is hindering development and placing a strain on businesses and public services.

The shortage is particularly acute in the construction, healthcare, and information technology sectors, where employers struggle to fill open positions. The challenge stems from a mix of long-term demographic trends and more recent workforce shifts, creating what many describe as a “labor squeeze.”

For the construction industry, the shortage has tangible and visible effects: delayed building timelines, project backlogs, and increased costs. Contractors often struggle to take on additional work because they cannot find enough skilled tradespeople, such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters.

Healthcare providers are also struggling to fill positions, particularly in nursing, home health, and support care roles. The shortage is especially pronounced in rural hospitals and clinics, where staff turnover can result in longer patient wait times and increased burnout among the remaining personnel.

Information technology employers report similar challenges, with many openings requiring specialized training that local applicants often lack.

A major driver of the shortage is demographic: a large wave of Baby Boomers is retiring, taking with them decades of experience and institutional knowledge. At the same time, fewer young people are entering specific fields – especially the skilled trades – often opting instead for four-year degrees or careers in other industries.

Meanwhile, the pandemic reshaped the workforce in ways that continue to be felt. Some workers left high-stress positions, others shifted to remote jobs, and some chose not to return to the workforce at all.

The result is a skills mismatch – where job openings exist, but the available labor pool does not align with the training required for those jobs.

To respond, many employers are taking workforce development into their own hands. Companies are creating apprenticeship pipelines, internship tracks, and in-house training programs designed to prepare workers for technical roles that previously required prior experience.

Businesses are also turning to new recruitment strategies. Partnerships with nonprofits, technical colleges, and community organizations aim to connect employers with those seeking job opportunities or retraining.

Some employers are expanding their applicant pools by working to retain older employees for longer periods or recruiting from groups that have been historically underrepresented in the workforce, including individuals with disabilities and former military personnel.

Looking Ahead

Addressing the shortage will require ongoing collaboration among schools, businesses, and government (Planning and Zoning and the Metro Council) – not just to fill current job openings, but also to maintain economic competitiveness in the future.

As Southern Middle Tennessee continues to grow, the consequences of how the region responds will shape not only its employers but the pace of development in Moore County and the opportunities available to future generations.

With Moore County uniquely positioned to accommodate workers from neighboring counties, as well as Murfreesboro, Nashville, Chattanooga, and Huntsville, Ala., our community is at the epicenter of a potential housing boom. The end of the Jack Daniel’s Cow Feeder Program on March 31, 2026, exacerbates the possibility of more farmland becoming available for development.

Apartments: Flexibility, but Higher Demand on Services

A multi-unit apartment complex would open the door for a broader range of residents – including working professionals, young families, and single-person households – in turn supporting area employers who have struggled to recruit due to limited housing options.

From a property tax standpoint, a market-rate apartment complex typically generates substantial taxable value, since it is assessed as income-producing property. More units generally means more tax revenue per acre compared to standard single-family development.

However, that benefit depends heavily on whether the developer seeks tax incentives, such as a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement, or uses federal housing credits. Either could reduce the tax income the community receives for several years.

Beyond revenue, residents have raised concerns about increased traffic on rural roads, higher water and sewer demands, and potential growth in local school enrollment. The school system is often one of the biggest expenses in a rural county budget.

If we add more families than our school system can reasonably support, that’s an expense that ultimately comes back to taxpayers.

55-and-Older: Predictable Revenue, Less Infrastructure Strain

A 55-and-older community is designed for retirees and older adults who want to stay local while moving into smaller, lower-maintenance homes.

Because seniors typically do not add students to the school system, these developments tend to generate steady property tax revenue without increasing education expenditures. That stability is appealing in long-term budget planning.

The type of development also matters. A community with individually owned senior homes or condos provides steady residential tax income. In contrast, a campus-style senior living facility, especially if run by a nonprofit, may qualify for partial tax exemptions.

Supporters argue that age-restricted communities typically maintain strict standards, which can help preserve or increase the value of nearby properties. Critics argue that while these developments benefit seniors, they do not support younger workers or families who wish to settle in the area. This is a concern in places like Southern Middle Tennessee, which is facing workforce shortages.

Balancing Growth and Identity

Both housing options could meet real needs, but they serve different groups of people.

This isn’t simply about adding housing. It’s about deciding who we want to attract, what kind of growth we can support, and how we maintain the character of Moore County while adapting to change.