Housing help knocking at the door
The majority of you reading this editorial have a nice apartment, a reasonable mortgage payment or own your home outright. That’s what the demographic data tells us about our subscribers.
But for thousands of others, particularly younger individuals and couples struggling to launch their careers and raise families in this highly desirable community, decent housing at an affordable rate is a dream beyond reach. Modest apartments can go for $1,000 or more a month. Homes under $200,000 are rare, and when they do hit the market, they’re usually snapped right up.
The clamor quiets down pretty quickly among all of us who want our kids and grandkids to move back to Kootenai County when the questions arise, Where will they live, and how will they afford it?
Being big fans of free enterprise, The Press editorial board does not believe affordable housing belongs in the clutches of government. But when government, housing experts, developers, Realtors and consumers put their heads together, it’s just possible we can make some significant housing improvements together.
That’s exactly the thinking behind the Missing Middle Housing Forum this coming Wednesday from 8 a.m. to noon at North Idaho College’s student union building. There is no admission charge, though this effort could be a major step toward creating something invaluable.
Keep in mind that affordable housing is not subsidized housing. At the risk of oversimplifying, subsidized housing is a government program primarily for the poor. Affordable housing addresses the needs of working people and families who are making a decent living but inventory shortage and high costs make housing a serious challenge. Add in pay that might be below average and you have an affordable housing problem.
The demographic data also tells us that other than legions of retirees who are living here quite comfortably, many others reading this editorial will be at work and can’t attend the four-hour forum. Their thoughts are still important to the folks taking on this mission.
If you can attend the forum, please register here: https://bit.ly/2YOZcEx
Whether you can attend or not, please take just a few minutes to complete this 10-question survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/26JVJQX
The survey starts with some fairly easy, big-picture questions. The subject gets a little meatier when respondents are asked things like “What types of missing middle housing would be compatible in existing neighborhoods?” Don’t worry; the survey provides examples and options that will at least get you thinking.
We hope to see strong community participation in the forum but even more, in the steps beyond. There are creative approaches to affordable housing challenges that don’t diminish the quality of life for others. Determining what those are and how they can be implemented here is a mission worth pursuing.