The Jackson/Teton County Housing Department released its midyear report today, highlighting the department’s work over the first two quarters of 2020.
The Housing Department partners with private developers to develop new permanently deed restricted housing, manages over 1,000 units of existing deed restricted housing, facilitates the Town and County’s employee housing programs, and partners with various social service agencies to respond to dynamic community needs like those that have arisen as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
The Housing Department has and continues to participate in the Emergency Housing Subgroup to help coordinate temporary and emergency housing during the pandemic, and has partnered with One22 Resource Center to help households apply for rent and mortgage relief through the Wyoming Community Development Authority.
“So far this year, I am most proud of how our team has adapted to new challenges and opportunities associated with the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Housing Department Director April Norton. “We have maintained and accelerated our work on capital projects that, once complete, will provide new homes for people working in our community, while also providing new services related to our COVID-19 response.”
The midyear report provides data related to the existing and future deed restricted housing stock; sales, rental, and compliance statistics; and information about the seven capital projects on which the department is working.
Mayor Pete Muldoon commended the Housing Department’s efforts. “Affordable housing in Jackson and Teton County is becoming a reality and this report is an impressive demonstration of the strides we are making. Not only are we breaking ground on future projects, but partnering with One22 throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Housing Department has helped hundreds of people stay in their homes,” he shared.
Teton County Commission Chairwoman Natalia D. Macker said, “Ensuring a healthy community means prioritizing safe, stable housing for our families, individuals, and workforce. Collaboration is key to our success. The Housing Department’s report illustrates this priority while pointing to future action with key community partners.”
Currently, there are 1,056 units between the Housing Department, Teton Habitat and Jackson Hole Community Trust (533 rental and 523 ownership units), plus 241 dorm beds. 86 new deed restricted units are slated for completion this year and another 137 new deed restricted units are slated for completion in 2021.
Capital Projects that are currently underway include the Grove Phase III – a partnership with Teton Habitat, King Street Condos – a partnership with the Jackson Hole Community Housing Trust, Mercill Avenue Condos – a partnership with Mercill Partners, and Kelly Place – a partnership with Roller Development and Tack Development, while future projects include a Low-income Housing Tax Credit Development partnership project with Summit Housing Group, 445 East Kelly Avenue development and Jackson and Kelly Street Apartments.
To learn more about the Housing Department and to check out the 2020 midyear report, go to www.jhaffordablehousing.com.
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“The housing department works to create healthy housing solutions so that our workforce can live, spend, and volunteer locally, maintaining the community character we all cherish.”