A new housing assessment finds Lee County could be about 500 homes short of what it needs over the next 10 years. The 50-thousand-dollar study was commissioned with funding from Koch Fertilizer, Alliant Energy, MidAmerican Energy and the Lee County Economic Development Group. The Pen City Current reports that urban planner Charlie Cowell said in a report that housing supply is tight across the county, from entry-level homes and quality rentals to housing for seniors and young families. The assessment also found housing shortages are affecting workforce recruitment, with some prospective employees unable to find a place to live or choosing to commute. County officials say the next step is forming focus groups to develop strategies and incentives for new construction, rehabilitation and demolition.