SCOTT COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - More communities are facing a shortage of affordable housing.

Tuesday, leaders in Scott County heard how they can help solve the problem in their area.

It happened at a joint session meeting between the Scott County Council and the Georgetown City Council.

"It's an elephant. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. And you look at the options, then you try to put a plan in play," said Joe Covington, the judge executive of Scott County.

A study performed by RKG found housing growth fell behind Scott County's growth in population. Additionally, low and declining vacancy led to a need for more housing and the lack of affordable housing options affects homeless and low-income people the most.

Among the recommendations presented by RKG is developing new partnerships with local nonprofits, developers, and local builders. The firm also suggests creating new affordable housing initiatives including publicly owned land for affordable housing.

"This is not just a Georgetown problem. This is not just a Scott County problem. This is a nationwide problem for housing," said Mayor Burney Jenkins of Georgetown.

Mayor Jenkins says he does not believe all the recommendations presented by RKG will work best for the area. However, he says this will help get the conversation started.

Covington says he will be part of that conversation to help those in need.

"There is nothing more important to have a safe place to put your head at night. And we have that in place now working with people. But it is just a growing process to expand options as well," said Covington.