| Welcome to the Weekly Roundup, where we bring you the top stories from today’s Dayton Daily News and major stories from the past week you may have missed. This week that includes an analysis of how fast rent prices are growing in our region and what can be done about it, as well as the launch of our Community Gems initiative to recognize those who make our region awesome. Our mission is to help you understand what’s really going on in the Dayton region. This includes comprehensive coverage of local governments and agencies, hard-hitting investigations, and in-depth analyses of important issues. Do you have a news tip or an issue you think our reporters should look into? Contact me at [email protected], or you can use our anonymous tipline. Rent increases in region rising faster than state, national averages: Apartment shortage blamed Credit: Jim Noelker Rent prices are a real strain for families across our region. Reporter Tom Gnau looked into how fast rent prices are going up, and what’s behind that growth. • What he found: Read Tom’s story here. He found rent prices locally are growing faster than the state or national average. His story breaks out what regions are getting expensive fastest. He also spoke to experts, who say lack of apartments is a major factor. • That jives: Other recent reporting backs that up. Go here for Cornelius Frolik’s recent report on new statistics saying the area is about 18,300 units short of what’s needed to house extremely low-income families. • Some context: This is the continuation of a trend. Our report last year found that housing costs – for both renters and homebuyers – was growing faster than inflation, feeding the housing crisis. • Voices: Our Ideas & Voices page has convened perspectives on what to do about this crisis, including this recent piece calling for citizen engagement in Dayton’s efforts to address housing policy. Community Gems Credit: JIM NOELKER Today we bring back our Community Gems initiative, where we celebrate the people in our community who make the Gem City a better place to live. • Community resource: Our most recent story introduces readers to Melanie Spencer, a school resource officer who made a difference in the lives of students in the Jefferson Twp. Local School District. • More gems: Go here to meet more community gems profiled in the project this year and in previous years. • Nominate a gem: Do you know someone who should be recognized for the impact they have in the community? Nominate them here. *** | 