Housing Needs in Goodland as Workforce Arrives

Sherman County Community Director Bert Mosier joined Rollie Halligan on KLOE’s Good Neighbor Hour this week to talk about a pressing topic in Goodland — housing for the wave of incoming workers.

A Growing Workforce in Goodland

Mosier explained that several large projects are bringing people to the community, including crews for the pipeline and the wind energy project. A team is also preparing to build the electric transmission line that will serve the new wind development.

“All of this means a lot of people are arriving in Goodland,” Mosier said. “And we need places for them to stay.”

Call for Housing & RV Hookups

The foundation is urging residents to help if they can. Anyone with RV hookups, apartments, or unused homes is encouraged to reach out. The goal is to ensure workers and their families have housing so they can live comfortably during their stay — and spend money locally at restaurants, shops, and stores.

Mosier noted that these workers are providing a significant boost to the local economy, from Main Street businesses to Walmart.

City Council Support

Mosier also praised the Goodland City Council, which discussed changes at their recent meeting to help ease the housing crunch. “It’s kind of a perfect storm with all these crews coming to town,” Mosier said. “I appreciate the Council’s understanding and their willingness to do everything they can.”

Central Command for Housing

Mosier encouraged workers in need of housing to call him directly at 785-821-0403. He also mentioned that Jeremy Cloy at Garrett’s Liquor Store and Laundromat is helping coordinate housing needs as a central point of contact.

It’s not unusual to see out-of-state license plates around Goodland lately. Mosier mentioned spotting vehicles from Texas, Utah, Delaware, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana just this week. Families are also arriving, meaning the local school district may see enrollment bumps.

At a recent economic development meeting, Bill Bierman, Superintendent of Goodland Schools, shared that for the first time, a bus route even had to be sent through the KOA campground to accommodate families staying there.

A Community Opportunity

“These crews are here for nine months to a year,” Mosier said. “They’re bringing their families, and they’re spending money here. This is an opportunity for Goodland to grow, and we want to welcome them.”