Housing shortage

Some local officials in the Mountain West say federal land could be used in certain cases to ease the region's housing crisis. But they view a plan from Senate Republicans as going much farther than the solutions that have worked in their areas.

The monthly bill for many Wyomingites’ homes absorbs over 30% of their income, the benchmark for what’s considered affordable.

A new study from Headwaters Economics shows that housing on public lands would have only a minimal impact on the West’s housing crisis, with most potential development being focused in a small number of states. Economist Megan Lawson also says that wildfire danger would be a huge risk to these potential homes.

Economic and environmental challenges could complicate the Trump administration’s proposal to create housing on public lands. A new analysis supports the idea, but says it is unlikely to solve the affordable housing crisis by itself.

The town and county’s housing programs dodged legal challenges for now, though some critics suggest future legal threats could be looming.

At least six bills aimed to make building easier by removing barriers or providing funds. Five died without discussion.

The Wyoming Legislature dropped all but one affordable housing measure this session. There was a grueling fight over the purpose and scope of the last bill as it advanced through the House.

Affordable housing is a top concern and was the topic of discussion during the Western Governors’ Association winter meeting in Las Vegas recently. They discussed a number of options.

Sen. Mike Gierau (D-Jackson) said the future of the group's four proposed housing-related bills – and the group as a whole – are unclear.

In Jackson, a state agency has found a way to stretch limited dollars by bringing in modular homes. This sped up the construction time by months and was a game changer for one family.