The Housing Solution Partnership is composed of representatives from all cities in Kootenai County and county officials. The housing crisis affects all who live and work within our area. It is of utmost importance that all leadership and community decision-makers are involved in the execution of all potential solutions to the local worker housing crisis. A few reasons why:
• Workers don’t have to live in the city where they work; commuter projection reports are being conducted and show that many drive a substantial distance to more affordable places to live in order to work here.
• State laws govern what can and cannot be done regarding housing for local workers. Sharing information with the public on how statutes guide our housing issues helps inform and educate us and how they apply to all in Kootenai County.
• All cities and the county have varying ordinances set forth by their elected leaders. Having the ability to coordinate suggestions for each that are definable and legal save all entities time and human resources instead of doing it on their own.
• Having one collection of historical work on this topic, and connection to resources or people with expertise, saves duplication of efforts and costs, and reduces confusion for both the housing industry participants and the public.
• Providing a single repository for locally collected information that supports solutions and changes in the housing arena is a valuable tool for all staff, decision-makers and business leaders when facing requested changes in policy or procedures.
• A cooperative approach can assure a high success rate for all solutions because they’ve already been vetted by the group that has the experience, legal advice and ability to execute them.
Many cities across the country are hiring staff to manage a housing initiative department as they all struggle with affordable housing for local workers. Our area has had dedicated volunteers for nearly three years, with funding for communications made available by local participating entities. (Note: The author provides these weekly articles on her own initiative and The Press publishes them as a free public service.)
Many successes have come from this group so far. But with the ongoing regional support — both financially and with cooperative human resources — many more will be introduced.
We encourage you to stay informed and continue to ask your elected leaders and housing industry partners to address the local worker housing crisis on all levels. We must continue to act in order to preserve our thriving communities. Please follow and support progress by going to housingni.org.