SVED Community Newsletter – Takeaways on the Housing Summit

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TAKEAWAYS ON HOUSING SUMMIT

A record 265 people registered for our 5th Annual Economic Summit presented on October 6th, including many government leaders from all Blaine cities, county, and state government. Businesses, individuals, educators, and non-profits were all represented.  We asked for feedback from about sixty people, and we listened carefully. Takeaways:

1. The agenda was solid with input from employers, builders, developers, realtors, and regulatory authorities.
2. The message resonating from the cumulative speakers and panelists was that we have a big challenge in our middle income housing availability going forward.
3. The data analysis confirms that we now have market rate middle income housing needs in addition to the subsidized affordable housing needs.
4. There are many future housing opportunities in the several jurisdictions, but many question if the “political will” exists to make the changes necessary to actually get the middle income housing built that the community says it wants and needs.
5. Having all the stakeholders in the room gave everyone a chance to hear the same message:  we need housing.
6. We need ACTION was a big theme.

SVED is setting up a process to help move the valley wide community to positive change in the housing outlook. Most towns in America are dealing with similar issues. It is going to take all of us working together and making this a major priority if we expect to make progress. Not moving forward is really not an option if we value our quality of life. Lack of appropriate housing is already impacting our employers’ ability to grow and even maintain their businesses which serve our community’s basic economic needs.

SVED is willing to serve as a catalyst to get everyone moving in the right direction. We hope you all choose to be a part of the solution. Here is the proposed process info graphic:

Housing Costs in Blaine County

Image from Idaho Mountain Express Almanac

Wednesday, January 18th, 5-7pm

Housing Followup – Ketchum Community Library

Wednesday, March 29th, 5-7pm

1% LOT for AIR Extension Campaign – Ketchum Community Library

Wednesday, June 21st, 5-7pm

Annual Economic Profiles – Ketchum Community Library

Thursday, October 5th, 5-7pm

VIP Reception for Economic Summit (Location TBA)

Friday, October 6th, 8am-2pm

6th Annual Economic Summit – Sun Valley Resort