June 2025
VoicesJH event
Thanks to support from the Community Foundation, we co-hosted a closed event with VoicesJH for community members to educate them about the different local deed-restricted housing programs. This is our first Spanish event where we offered English interpretation for ShelterJH board members. There were over 60 attendees who walked away empowered with knowledge about accessing homes they can afford.
Northern South Park Master Site Plan passes
On May 19, the Teton County Commission approved the Master Site Plan for Area 1 of Northern South Park (NSP). After five years of ongoing advocacy work to support the community’s vision for NSP, ShelterJH is excited for the progress made on this new neighborhood and the affordable housing opportunities it presents to our community. ShelterJH’s vision for NSP included codified assurances of affordable homes within a reasonable timeframe, considering the immense investment the public has made in this neighborhood. Read our full statement here.
Housing & Public Lands
The recent assertion that the sale of public lands in Wyoming would help alleviate our housing shortage is misinformed and dangerous. Not only would the sale of public lands almost definitely increase our housing problem by creating more opportunities for luxury homes, this proposition would threaten the many outdoors-based jobs that locals rely on to qualify for deed-restricted homes and pay for free-market rent and mortgages. We are heartened by the news that Senator Lee withdrew his proposal regarding BLM lands, but other threats remain. Thanks to our County Commissioners for sending a clear letter to our federal congressional delegation emphasizing that the sale of public lands will not help our housing shortage.
The future of the Virginian neighborhood
Next steps for the future of the Virginian neighborhood include a parking study (regarding bike parking, car shares, etc.), schematic design, a market study researching first rights of sale/rental, and looking into more financing options. The next date this development will be before the public is tentative. We are once again voicing our resounding support for this project and the 200+ households who will secure a home there!
Hot Topics in Housing
ShelterJH members share relevant media pieces with one another through our Google Group. Here are what our conversations have been about this month:
- In Jackson Hole, a record-setting $7.4 million for the average single-family home, JH News & Guide
- Freedom Caucus bigwig watches as Teton County debates Gills plan for Northern South Park, JH News & Guide
- In 2024, Teton County put 288 people in affordable homes. Still, fewer workers live here, JH News & Guide
- Facing $31.5 million shortfall, Jackson Hole officials mull millions more for Virginian housing, JH News & Guide
- Housing on public lands will be limited by wildfire risk and development challenges, Headwaters Economics (thanks to member Helen Lewis)
The housing market was supposed to recover this year. What happened?, The New York Times (thanks to member Bob Weiss)