WHAT IS GOING ON AT THE EXHIBIT HALL?
The Exhibit Hall was the green corrugated metal building located on the south side of Snow King Avenue across from the entrance to the fairgrounds. The Town of Jackson owns this land, and the building was leased by the County for fair purposes.
Over six years ago, the Town notified the Fairgrounds manager that they would be building Affordable housing on the green space adjacent to the Exhibit Hall. To accommodate this new housing project and additional housing in the vicinity, the Town would be converting the land the Exhibit Hall is on into a parking lot, and relocating the Exhibit Hall across the street.
The County lease for the Exhibit Hall and green space next to it was not renewed in 2022 because construction began on the 400 W. Snow King project.
For information and our take on the larger fairgrounds discussion, click here.
WHY SHOULD WE CARE?
The Town applied for federal grant funding to ensure that the housing units would be as affordable as possible. The Town was awarded federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) in February 2022 after applying four times for this competitive funding. With a combination of significant public investment along with some private philanthropy, the Housing Department announced that all 48 of these units (total of 71 beds) would be Affordable for local workers.
The problem is that a new PAC called “Eyes on Teton County” is claiming that the Exhibit Hall is being torn down in the name of housing, when it has a secure future across the street. This new facility is 5 times bigger than the current hall.
OUR POSITION
Affordable housing is the type of housing we most desperately need: all 48 rental units will be reserved for local workers earning under 60% Median Family Income ($68k maximum for a single-person household). We fully support the development of this project. This type of permanently income-linked housing available for local workers most closely aligns with our mission to support providing homes for our most vulnerable community members.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The Flat Creek Apartments were completed in August 2024 and now provide safe, stable homes for 48 households earning under 60% of Median Family Income. These residents are local workers and families who help our community function every day — and who now have the security of an affordable place to live.
Unfortunately, a small group has recently spread misinformation and targeted residents with harassment and intimidation. ShelterJH continues to stand firmly with our neighbors at Flat Creek and to advocate for fact-based, compassionate community dialogue about affordable housing.
Going forward, we’ll keep working alongside the Jackson/Teton County Housing Department and local partners to ensure residents can live with dignity—and to expand similar opportunities for others in our community who still need an affordable home.
Last updated 10/31/25
