Business operators on the island worry rocketing housing costs pose a fundamental threat to the island’s economy, one that could siphon away workers and create a labor vacuum.

As Galveston’s promise to rebuild more than 500 public housing units destroyed during Hurricane Ike nears completion, a new housing problem is impacting Galveston Island.

An organization with a mission to encourage and help finance development of housing that’s affordable to teachers, police, firefighters and other professionals, will seek a resolution of support from the city council next month.

Small businesses are the backbone of our local economic ecosystem. They diversify our economy, lessening the burden on taxpayers by creating a positive contribution to the tax base including both jobs and tax revenue.

Pickings were slim in September when Andre’ Edwards started looking for places to rent on the island.

There’s plenty of room to discuss, debate and argue about where Galveston might develop workforce housing and which organizations should head those efforts.