COVID-19 has made life difficult on many economically — but local governments have gotten some good news.

Construction of single family homes within the scope of Warren County’s zoning ordinance was up 29%, commercial construction was up 38% and recreational camps saw a “dramatic increase.” In total, 2020’s 256 county Planning & Zoning Office permits issued was the most since 2016.

Importantly, because the county’s zoning ordinance only covers about 35% of the county’s population, it’s likely new construction could total more than the $2.3 million the county knows about.

That’s significant. Increasing the tax base allows government to function while not increasing tax rates. And, that type of construction means people are improving their properties and sending a signal that they are invested — no pun intended — in our community.

Such a high level of building and improvement is a good thing for our county –and good news is particularly welcome as we emerge from a year of COVID-19 regulation, cancellations and stagnation.