The Austin City Council will discuss the ad hoc housing committee’s recommendations during its work session following its regularly scheduled Monday night meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Austin City Hall.

The report noted a 2013 Housing Study demonstrated a need of nearly 300 rental units and 118 single family units by 2020.

A lack of workforce housing or individuals and families is seen as one of the most significant challenges southern Minnesota’s growing economy faces. It can make it difficult for businesses, schools, hospitals and others to attract workers.

A committee of Austin leaders has met for several months on the issue, and in March First District U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, DFL-Mankato hosted a housing summit in Austin. He said the issue is on everyone’s mind.

Walz said Minnesota has a vibrant and strong economy and the state is above full employment, which is attributed to hard-working individuals in communities. But the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency estimates about 4,500 to 7,500 additional rental units are needed across the state.

Now on Monday, the City Council will discuss the ad hoc housing committee’s report. The committee gave 10 recommendations including employers offering gap financing programs to encourage multi-family development, work with project managers to reduce the learning curve for local developers to use the regulatory application process and other suggestions.

The council is also scheduled to approve an electronics recycling event for May 14, which people can bring TVs and computer monitors, kitchen items like microwaves and toasters and other electronics to be properly recycled.

Council members will also discuss the continuation of the Izaak Walton League Cabin agreement for another 10 years.