Housing board to weigh first preference for first responders
The Jackson/Teton County Housing Authority Board will consider whether first responders should move ahead of other applicants in Weighted Drawings, rather than keep the current extra-entry system.
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.
Background
Teton County currently gives First Responders extra entries in housing lotteries but not first preference; the Board will consider changes on July 22, 2026.
Latest: 2026-07 — Current policy in effect: Critical Service Providers, including First Responders, receive one extra entry in Weighted Drawings (max two per household), but no group receives absolute first preference.
curated as of 2026-07-22
Source Documents
| Date | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| July 22, 2026 | Housing Authority Meeting Agenda Packet | packet |