Housing has become one of the most urgent—and complex—challenges facing economic developers today. In this episode of Develop This!, host Dennis Fraise sits down with Michael Mohrfeld, Owner and President of Mohrfeld Electric, Green Oak Development, Mohrfeld Solar, and a housing developer.

Speaking candidly from a developer's perspective, Michael shares what it really takes to make housing projects work in small and mid-sized communities—and why so many well-intentioned plans never move from concept to construction. Drawing on his diverse portfolio across construction, real estate, energy, and community-focused development, Michael explains how housing challenges are deeply intertwined with workforce availability, zoning, financing, and local leadership.

Dennis and Michael explore:

• Why housing is now a top economic development constraint
• The growing difficulty of delivering affordable and workforce housing
• How labor shortages in construction are impacting timelines and costs
• Regulatory and zoning hurdles that can stall or stop projects entirely
• The differences between new construction and renovation-based development
• Opportunities in both multifamily and single-family housing markets
• Why small communities must rely on local leadership—because "there's no cavalry coming"

Key Takeaways

• Housing is one of the most critical issues facing economic developers
• Developers bring practical insight into what makes projects viable
• Small communities face unique housing and financing challenges
• Workforce shortages significantly affect construction feasibility
• Affordable housing is increasingly complex to build
• Zoning and regulatory processes can impede development
• New construction and renovation projects require different strategies
• Strong community leadership is essential for success
• Both multifamily and single-family housing present opportunities
• Local champions are key to driving meaningful progress