The city of Oxford’s consideration to donate or lease two acres of land off South 16th Street, behind Beanland Drive, to be used for low-income housing is a smart look in the right direction.

Oxford’s mayor and board members have maintained that affordable housing in Oxford is a priority and this is a fine example of backing that up. Working with LOU-Home, the nonprofit that manages a small affordable housing development in Oxford, the city has and continues to explore options that could provide affordable, workforce housing.

The mission of LOU-Home is to “collaborate with governments, businesses, organizations and citizens to increase availability and affordability of quality houses for all citizens within the community while providing support for successful ownership of these homes.”

An example of this latest consideration to donate land for more affordable housing development is Community Green in Oxford, a 20-home development of affordable housing that came about when the University of Mississippi donated structures it no longer needed.

It is a winner. And, as the Oxford and Lafayette County community sees housing prices increase, the need for such developments also increases.

It’s about making sure that we continue to have a vibrant, diverse community with opportunity to all.