Redman, Woodward co-chair housing group
BILL BULEY | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 7 months, 2 weeks AGO
Bill Buley covers the city of Coeur d'Alene for the Coeur d’Alene Press. He has worked here since January 2020, after spending seven years on Kauai as editor-in-chief of The Garden Island newspaper. He enjoys running. | May 17, 2025 1:05 AM
Two local elected leaders are co-chairing the Idaho Legislature’s Interim Land Use and Housing Study Committee.
The group met Wednesday for the first time in Boise. It looked at a number of areas, including prices, short-term rentals, impact of interest rates on mortgages, inventory, building codes, permitting and zoning.
With a median price of about $550,000 for a single-family home, many locals are priced out of the housing market.
"Folks that grew up in Idaho should not have to leave the state," Redman said.
The purpose of the committee is to undertake a study of state and local land use regulations and how they impact the housing supply, according to the Idaho Capital Sun.
In addition to the study, the committee can make recommendations to the Idaho Legislature during the 2026 legislative session.
Redman said the committee will look at barriers to affordable housing, like rising costs of mortgages due to high prices and interest rates, but he added no one should expect quick solutions.
"I don't think there's a silver bullet," he said.
Perhaps, though, a "silver shotgun" approach, with multiple options to create affordable housing might be effective.
Coeur d'Alene City Councilor Kiki Miller, founder of the Housing Solutions Partnership, said she has been in talks with committee members and hopes to have more discussions "as to what their priorities are in order to support the most successful outcomes."
She said local options could include taxes and incentives that are directed at home ownership solutions.
"My hope is they take straightforward steps in housing types, and zoning changes that still leave local jurisdictions with some control that create a good fit for their communities," Miller said.
The committee is scheduled to meet June 27 in Idaho Falls, Aug. 14 in Sandpoint and Sept. 26 in Boise.
Redman said lack of affordable housing is the No. 1 concern for his constituents.
He is convinced the committee will have an impact and provide a path forward.
"I truly do believe there's going to be a good outcome from this," he said.
Editor's note: This story has been edited to reflect that Sen. Jim Woodward is co-chair of the committee.
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