TCD Welcomes Brad Wiese, the New Housing Development Specialist

Trusted Community Development (TCD) is excited to add Brad Wiese to the team as a Housing Development Specialist. His job will be to support and create opportunities to increase housing inventory across western Nebraska. This will involve various efforts ranging from attracting new construction projects to launching rehabilitation programs for existing homes.  

“In the long run, I would love for our area of Nebraska to be talked about statewide and nationwide for its housing efforts,” says Wiese. “Right now, I plan to listen to people in the community and understand what home means to them based on their needs.”

Housing is a challenge for communities across the United States, with an estimated shortage of 6 million homes – including 3,107 homes in Nebraska. By investing in a dedicated employee to develop housing to the region, TCD can support residents while laying the groundwork for additional business investment in the coming years. 

Wiese Has a Background in Housing at the State Level

Wiese has lived in multiple Nebraska communities, originally hailing from Holdrege and then moving to Fremont. Most recently, he lived in Omaha, where he started as a housing specialist with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and eventually rose to Economic Development Manager on the housing team.

Wiese brings extensive knowledge of state programs and grants to increase housing availability in western Nebraska. He has been involved in various initiatives to support the state's housing needs and understands what works.  

TCD is excited to tap into Wiese’s skill set and welcome him to western Nebraska. Wiese chose to move to the western part of the state to be closer to his son, who lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming. 

TCD Supports Homeownership in the Region 

Inventory is a significant concern for housing in the United States, but affordability is, too. Studies show 60% of American households could not afford to buy a $300,000 house. However, the median home price across the country as of 2025 is $459,826. TCD wants to create opportunities for residents to become homebuyers and stay in the region longer.

“When people rent, they can move out of the community whenever they want because they just have to end their lease agreement,” says Wiese. “When they buy, they put down roots. They invest in the community and are more likely to stay for the long term.”

Wiese also highlights the value of wealth development through homeownership. A house is an investment that can pull people out of poverty.

“I want to find sustainable ways for people to achieve homeownership,” he says. “Housing is key to growing our rural communities and getting people involved.”

Currently, the median home price is $185,788 in Scottsbluff and $213,885 in Gering, well below the national average. Houses here are affordable, but they need to be diverse enough to support different families while also offering sufficient inventory to meet residents' needs. 

Housing Contributes to Economic Development

There are several ties between housing and economic development. When more people live in an area due to sufficient inventory, communities have an easier time attracting businesses that create jobs. Community buy-in and talent attraction can also support entrepreneurship, encouraging residents to stay in western Nebraska and open businesses here. These efforts also send ripple effects through the community. Better jobs and lower poverty levels increase residents' spending power, allowing them to support the local businesses they love.

Wiese believes in a multi-faceted approach to housing because every family has different needs. Some people want to live in townhouses or neighborhoods where they don’t have to maintain their own lawns, while others want land and space for farming.

“People have different thoughts and ideas of what home is,” he explains. “I’d love a small home, but other people want bigger spaces.”

Community development is an opportunity to create different types of housing for different people. It also means supporting residents as they leave the workforce. Wiese uses the phrase “cradle to rocker” to highlight how people want to age in place in western Nebraska and how their housing needs will change as they get older.  

Follow TCD for Housing Updates

Wiese is just getting settled with the TCD team and is still unpacking boxes from his move. In the coming months, he plans to take over various programs and launch opportunities for families across western Nebraska. Check TCD’s Housing page to learn more about possible opportunities and see what’s new. You can also follow our news page for additional updates.

Every house makes a difference in western Nebraska, especially to the families living in them. There are new opportunities coming to support long-term sustainability and growth.