Vote for – the best candidate & discover peace Mr. Brien Weidemiller

DONATE NOW
Brien Weidemiller for Marion County Commissioner • Issue Platform

Affordable Housing That Works for Working Families

Marion County’s explosive growth has driven up housing costs, making it harder for teachers, first responders, and local workers to own a home. Brien Weidemiller will push for smart, mixed-income development that delivers attainable housing without overwhelming our infrastructure.

$275K Median home sale price in Marion County (early 2026) — up over 40% in recent years while wages lag
$1,277 Median gross rent — up sharply, with 43.4% of renters now severely cost-burdened
43.4% Renters spending 35%+ of income on housing — a growing burden on essential workers
1,000–1,400 Sq ft starter homes Brien wants required in new developments for true affordability

The Housing Affordability Crisis in Marion County

Marion County has seen dramatic housing cost increases. Median home values rose from $172,200 (2015-2019) to $243,100 (2020-2024), a 41% jump according to U.S. Census data. Rents have climbed as well, with median gross rent now at $1,277 monthly. Over 43% of renters spend more than 35% of their income on housing — a level considered severely cost-burdened.

Teachers, firefighters, law enforcement, and other frontline workers increasingly find themselves priced out and stuck renting. Meanwhile, large-scale developments continue to favor bigger, more expensive homes that do little to address workforce housing needs. This pattern pushes growth into high-traffic corridors, worsening congestion and straining infrastructure we already cannot keep up with.

"I will make housing more affordable for residents so teachers and all of our front-line workers don’t have to keep renting because they can’t afford it."

— Brien Weidemiller, Candidate for Marion County Commissioner

Brien’s Vision: Mixed-Income & Responsible Development

Brien believes we do not have to choose between growth and affordability. The solution lies in balanced, thoughtful development that includes smaller, attainable homes alongside market-rate housing so families of different income levels can live in the same communities.

  • Require Smaller Homes in New Developments Mandate that a percentage of new homes be 1,000–1,400 sq ft to create truly affordable ownership options for working families.
  • Promote Small-Group Condos & Townhomes Encourage clustered but limited condo and townhome developments that maintain neighborhood character while increasing supply.
  • Build in Outlying Areas Strategically Direct more growth to areas with capacity for new infrastructure instead of piling more homes onto already congested corridors like SR 200, Hwy 40, and CR 484.

Addressing Short-Term Rentals & Zoning Abuse

Unregulated short-term rentals (Airbnbs) can reduce long-term housing stock and drive up prices in residential neighborhoods. Brien supports enforcing existing zoning laws strictly: no operating a business in a residential area without proper approval. New legislation may be needed at the state level for broader controls, but locally we can act now through stronger code enforcement.

New legislation will have to be presented for an Air BnB to be stopped before we as a community can do anything, but business should not be allowed if zoning isn’t approved and if a residential home is operating as a business code enforcement needs to be notified.

— Brien Weidemiller, Candidate for Marion County Commissioner

What Brien Will Do as Your Commissioner

Brien will fight for housing policies that put Marion County families first:

1. Mixed-Income Requirements in New Developments

Require a percentage of every major new subdivision to include smaller 1,000–1,400 sq ft homes so teachers, nurses, and first responders can become homeowners in the same communities.

2. Strategic Growth Away from Overburdened Corridors

Guide new housing to outlying areas with room for infrastructure, reducing congestion and preserving quality of life in high-traffic zones.

3. Strong Code Enforcement on Short-Term Rentals

Ensure residential properties are not converted to illegal businesses. Work with state legislators for additional tools while enforcing current zoning today.

4. Partner for Workforce Housing Solutions

Collaborate with nonprofits, Habitat for Humanity, and responsible developers to expand attainable homeownership programs without raising resident taxes.

5. Infrastructure-First Housing Policy

No new large developments without simultaneous roads, drainage, sidewalks, and sewer capacity — preventing today’s problems from worsening tomorrow.

Working Families Deserve a Place to Call Home

Marion County should be a place where teachers, firefighters, and local workers can afford to live — not just visit. Brien Weidemiller will deliver balanced, responsible housing solutions that build real opportunity.

Volunteer for Brien View All Issue Positions
Sources & References