Town of Jackson and Teton County to create Housing Action Plan
The Jackson Town Council and Teton County Board of County Commissioners have agreed to a six-step plan implementing the final modifications of a new Housing Action Plan.
Following a three-day summit this week, the new plan calls for commitment to a joint Town and County housing program to begin with identification of a dedicated funding source.
The town and county determined to increase their focus on housing production and preservation, as opposed to management of existing housing units.
New housing production will focus on public acquisition of land, then creating partnerships for the production of housing units. The town and county will also update zoning laws to allow incentivize, and require workforce housing to be built.
“The County and TCHA (Teton County Housing Authority) have led community housing efforts in laudable ways, for two decades. As we continue to stand up for a robust, healthy, diverse Jackson Hole, it is clear that our effort to support working Jackson Hole families must be stepped up,” said Mayor Flitner. “We are delighted to join together with the county, to take meaningful steps to ensure that this community stays a community.”
Board of County Commissioners Chair Barbara Allen echoed Mayor Flitner’s comments and added, “It is critical to our decision making process to have the expertise of staff, community members and board members. It is hard work to vet decisions, work through the weeds, and make tough recommendations and we are so fortunate to have people in our community with that dedication to the public process.”
Part of the new plan will include modification of housing staff structure, starting with creation of a new Town/County Housing Authority Board. The board would hold title, carry debt and accept responsibilities outlined in current and future deed restrictions.
The town and county will formally incorporate the changes into the Housing Action Plan during a joint meeting November 2nd.
