The labor shortage and a lack of worker housing are hitting Kootenai County harder than other areas.

A regional labor economist’s presentation to the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber underscores the need for worker housing solutions.

In his February 8 presentation to the Chamber, Idaho Department of Labor’s Sam Wolkenhauer reinforced the fact that the demand for local housing is exceeding the supply, leading to increases in home prices.

Increasing local worker housing is a priority of the Regional Housing & Growth Issues Partnership. We know that we can’t control demand for local housing. (Read more about that in our FAQs). We must work to increase the supply and there’s no time to waste if we want to change the trajectory for Kootenai County.

Read more about Wolkenhauer’s presentation in The Coeur d’Alene Press: https://cdapress.com/news/2022/feb/09/work-progress/