Picente Announces Release of Housing GuidebookView

County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. today announced the release of the Oneida County Housing Guidebook, marking the next major step in the county's comprehensive strategy to address housing needs and support smart, sustainable development across the region.

The guidebook builds on the findings of the county's 2025 Housing Market Inventory Assessment and Strategy Report, which identified a shortage of housing stock and highlighted key gaps, including senior housing and "missing middle" housing options. The newly released document provides municipalities with practical tools, model strategies and policy guidance to help meet those needs.

"This guidebook represents the transition from planning to action," Picente said. "We have taken a hard look at our housing challenges, and now we are giving our local communities the tools they need to be part of the solution. By working together, we can expand housing opportunities, support our workforce and strengthen neighborhoods across Oneida County."

The Housing Guidebook outlines a range of strategies that municipalities can adopt or tailor to their specific needs, including:

• Modern zoning approaches to encourage diverse housing types
• Tools to promote development of accessory dwelling units and small multi-family housing
• Strategies for redevelopment, infill housing and mixed-use development
• Guidance on balancing short-term rentals with long-term housing availability

Recognizing that housing challenges differ across the county, the guidebook is designed to be flexible for urban, suburban and rural communities alike. It also identifies opportunities to leverage state programs and local incentives to reduce barriers to development and improve affordability.

"This is not a one-size-fits-all solution," Picente added. "Each community in Oneida County has its own character and its own needs. This guidebook respects that while providing a clear framework to help increase housing supply in a thoughtful and responsible way."

The release of the guidebook is part of Oneida County's broader housing plan, which aims to expand housing availability, support economic growth and ensure residents have access to safe, affordable and high-quality housing options.

Municipal leaders, developers and community stakeholders are encouraged to review the guidebook and work collaboratively with the County to implement strategies that will move housing projects forward.

The Oneida County Housing Guidebook can be accessed here.

The Oneida County Housing Market Inventory Assessment and Strategy Report can be accessed here.