Housing authorities in Idaho: Structure, legality and debated necessity

Housing authorities are public agencies established to address the critical issue of affordable housing. In many places, these entities play a pivotal role in providing low-income housing assistance. With many newcomers to the area from locations that relied on housing authorities, and with the housing crisis remaining critical, the conversation surrounding the creation of a government-initiated housing authority in North Idaho continues.

The foundation for housing authorities lies in the United States Housing Act of 1937. This landmark legislation authorized the creation of public housing agencies to develop and manage affordable housing. Idaho, in alignment with federal guidelines, established its own housing authorities to address the state’s specific housing challenges. These local agencies are typically created by a city council or county commission, and governed by a board of commissioners appointed by the local government. The commissioners oversee the housing authority’s operations, including property management, tenant selection, and financial management.   

Legally, housing authorities in Idaho operate under a combination of federal and state laws. The primary federal legislation guiding these agencies is the U.S. Housing Act, as amended. State laws, including statutes and regulations, provide additional framework for housing authorities’ functions and responsibilities. This dual legal structure ensures that housing authorities adhere to both federal and state mandates while adapting to local housing needs. They do not have the authority to levy taxes but are funded through federal grants, state allocations and revenue from owned rentals. They do not require a public process to initiate. 

Housing authorities in Idaho can administer the Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly known as Section 8. This program provides rental assistance to eligible low-income families, allowing them to lease privately owned housing units. Additionally, many housing authorities develop and manage public housing units. Beyond these core functions, housing authorities may also engage in activities such as home ownership counseling, tenant-based rental assistance and community development initiatives.   

Housing authorities in Idaho are one component of the state’s affordable housing landscape. However, Kootenai County does not have one and they are complex to create, manage and fund. 

A closer look at the comparison between the benefit provided by organizations that already exist is occurring here. Panhandle Affordable Housing Alliance (PAHA), which is not a housing authority, contends that any perceived advantage a housing authority may have may not outweigh the existing programs and projects other existing, local organizations may provide — especially when fully funded and supported by the community. 

PAHA is a housing nonprofit dedicated to private market solutions to restore home ownership to local workers through Shared Equity Fee Simple Homes and Land Trust homes. PAHA also owns a portfolio of 19 low-income rental homes that were funded through IHFA/HUD financing in 2017. Having a private nonprofit drive housing with community involvement and the ability to utilize some federal funding, without creating another government organization may have a lasting and more successful result in North Idaho for everyone. There will be continuing dialog regarding the subject within the Housing Solutions Partnership. Housingni.org. 

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Kiki Miller is a Coeur d’Alene City Council Member and Founding Member of the Housing Solutions Partnership.