EDITORIAL: Make your voice heard on housing

In a state where nearly half of residents report financial strain from housing costs, Sen. Mike Crapo has opened a channel for citizen input on one of Idaho's most pressing challenges. The senator's affordable housing survey, available online through May 31, is an opportunity for Idahoans to directly shape potential federal legislation on an issue that affects families across our state.

When elected officials ask for public input, our democratic system works best if citizens respond thoughtfully and in large numbers. Sen. Crapo's track record demonstrates that these surveys can lead to meaningful action. His previous outreach to veterans in 2014 and 2015 resulted in legislation that became law.  

With affordable housing ranked as the top budget priority by Idahoans for two consecutive years according to Boise State University's Idaho Public Policy Survey, the timing on this is just right. Whether you're a homeowner struggling with property taxes, a renter facing escalating costs, or a professional in real estate, banking, insurance, or construction, your perspective is a necessary piece of the housing puzzle. 

Too often, policy solutions are crafted without adequate input from those most affected. This survey flips that dynamic, putting citizens' experiences at the center of the policymaking process. In just a few minutes online, you can help ensure that future housing legislation reflects the real challenges and practical solutions that matter to Idahoans. 

The housing crisis affects our entire community. From young families unable to purchase their first home to seniors on fixed incomes, from employers struggling to attract workers to communities losing their character as housing costs soar, this is a chance to be part of the solution.  

The deadline is May 31. Take a few moments today to make your voice heard on what Sen. Crapo himself acknowledges as "the number one issue Idahoans raise" in meetings across the state.  

To take the survey:

https://www.crapo.senate.gov/issues/affordable-housing-survey