May Monthly Luncheon- Housing: An Issue Affecting NKY’s Workforce Needs

Description

Jeanne Schroer, President and CEO of the Catalytic Development Fund and Catalytic Chief Operating Officer Joe Klare will explore the creation of the Northern Kentucky Housing Fund designed to expand the region’s overall housing supply. The Catalytic Fund hopes to raise $25 million over five years to help stem the problem identified in a 2023 NKY Area Development District analysis that found the region will need at least 6,650 more housing units over the period. The KY Housing Corporation has done a study that shows that the housing situation is even more dire with a need for 24,000 to 37,000 units. The Area Development District study also indicated there are nearly three jobs to every home a potential worker could afford.

Jeanne Schroer is the President & CEO of the Catalytic Fund, a Community Development Financial Institution that manages a $33 million investment fund to support place-based economic and community development across Northern Kentucky. Under her leadership, the organization provides innovative financing, development services, and revitalization initiatives that turn community plans into impactful, lasting projects. Since 2013, the Catalytic Fund has supported more than 100 projects totaling over $600 million in investment, advancing efforts to expand housing options, preserve historic assets, redevelop vacant properties, and create jobs throughout the region. Jeanne has over 45 years of experience as a real estate professional specializing in real estate finance and real estate development.  

Joe Klare is the Chief Operating Officer of the Catalytic Fund, a Community Development Financial Institution dedicated to advancing residential, commercial, and community real estate development across Northern Kentucky. He oversees investments, portfolio management, and financial operations, guiding the deployment of flexible capital to support impactful redevelopment projects. With over 17 years of experience in commercial real estate, affordable housing, and community development, Klare has led financing for nearly 100 urban redevelopment projects in the region. His work focuses on expanding housing opportunities, revitalizing underutilized properties, preserving historic assets, and strengthening the economic vitality of local downtowns.