OPINION: Housing problems — and solutions — focus of new column

Like many of you, I became frustrated with the ongoing podium, street corner and online discussions ranting and raving at the housing costs that escalated so quickly during the pandemic.

Over the past three years I have been working in the housing and growth arena along with dedicated community leaders and decision makers to address the local worker housing crisis. The Housing Availability and Affordability study conducted by the University of Idaho revealed that six years ago, 75 percent of the residents of Kootenai County could afford to buy a home. Due to dramatic price increases and the influx of newcomers, currently less than 25 percent could qualify. 

Regional municipal planners, elected and appointed officials, building professionals and an advisory group of civic, club, nonprofit and business organizations, have worked together to bring forward factual data, answer questions and build a ToolKit of solutions that tackle this multifaceted topic.

Last month it was reported that the nonprofit organization we placed some of the Housing and Growth Partnership work under last year, Connect Kootenai, has ceased operations.

During the past year much of the remaining work in the pursuit of multiple avenues to preserve and create local worker housing has not stopped. 

This week, I am pleased to share that the regional group will be restructured with the same jurisdictional partners, nonprofit housing leaders and project committee chairs. The partnership will have a more focused effort in the housing solutions arena with fiscal oversight and contract management by Panhandle Area Council. 

For the next few months I will be writing a regular column to update the community on the current and future projects of the Housing Solutions Partnership. 

The Partnership has a website that is live and currently undergoing updates. 

In the next columns I will review successes to date, how to monitor and support them and the results of the most recent studies and reports conducted by the Partnership. As well, I’ll share a brief list of upcoming projects, workshops and solutions that the Housing Solutions Partnership will launch in the coming months and years. 

For information or for input on the Housing Solutions Partnership, email me at kikimillercouncilor@gmail.com.

 • • •

Kiki Miller is a Coeur d'Alene City Council member and founding member of the Housing Solutions Partnership.