Housing board to weigh first preference for first responders

The Jackson/Teton County Housing Authority Board will decide today whether to recommend putting First Responders at the front of Weighted Drawings for restricted homes, a shift from the current rule that gives Critical Services Providers one extra lottery entry, capped at two per household Housing Authority Meeting Agenda Packet.

Staff recommends keeping the current rule. The packet says a first-preference system would mean First Responders are selected before all other eligible applicants whenever they apply, with a separate drawing among First Responders if more than one enters. Staff points to a thin record of use: in 32 ownership and rental drawings in 2025 and year-to-date 2026, only one home drew Critical Services Provider applicants, and no rental drawing did. The board's recommendation is scheduled to move next to the Town Council and Teton County Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 3, before any draft rule goes out for a 45-day public comment period.