The first success of the housing initiative was to secure funding for Emergency Housing. Watertown Cares nonprofit organization was established and 612 Flats was purchased with a grant from South Dakota Housing Development Authority ARPA (COVID) funds. The Housing Action Team was able to meet the first goal of having Emergency Housing for homeless community members.
Watertown Development Company has partnered with Codington Connects to take the next steps to comprehensively address housing needs in Watertown. Maximizing Excellence Consulting Services has facilitated a housing strategic planning process and coordinated a Housing Summit held on Nov. 20th, 2024. With input from a diverse group of community members, four priorities have been identified: 
- Transitional/Supportive Housing
- Student Housing
- Affordable Rentals
- Workforce Housing.
Action Planning for these four areas will be the focus in 2025.
Additional Information and Links on the Housing Initiative:
Housing Continuum
Housing Demand Analysis
Watertown Housing Strategic Planning Report