PAHA leader to join talk on building more homes

Gem State Housing Alliance has scheduled a discussion Dec. 9 to address Idaho’s housing shortage. 

“Too many families have zero attainable options near where they work,” said executive director and Idaho State Sen. Ali Rabe. “Only 5% of middle-class Idahoans can afford a home, and outdated rules, lack of action, and government red tape continue to block new home building across the state.”

Maggie Lyons, executive director of the Panhandle Affordable Housing Alliance, is slated to participate in the press briefing on creating housing supply.

According to a press release, Idaho ranks among the 15 worst states in the nation for attainable homes. 

"The virtual press briefing will share strategies and stories to demonstrate how Idaho can build its way to more attainable housing options for buyers and renters," the release said.

Press briefing panelists will discuss actionable bipartisan local and statewide policies that could unlock thousands of new homes each year, highlighting experiences from Pocatello to Boise to Coeur d’Alene, to help shape Idaho’s housing future, according to the release.

Panelists also include Caleb Roope, CEO, The Pacific Companies; Mark Dahlquist, candidate for mayor of Pocatello; and Garrett Kreitz, North Idaho resident and father who struggled to afford a home

“If Idaho modernizes local rules and streamlines approvals, experts estimate the state could build at a minimum 12,000 more home per year,” Rabe said. “This would help thousands of working families find a place to call home in the community they love.”

Gem State Housing Alliance works to expand housing options by mobilizing community members, city officials, landlords, and homebuilders to support bipartisan solutions.