Town, county to set direction for biennial workforce-housing rules rewrite

Jackson Town Council and the Teton County Board of County Commissioners are set to pick which rule changes staff should actually draft for the next biennial rewrite of the Jackson/Teton County Housing Department rules that govern deed restricted workforce housing. Staff are bringing “ten (10) policy questions” for direction, then plan to return Sept. 7 with redlined language to release for a 45 day public comment period, with final adoption targeted Nov. 2. Housing rules agenda packet Housing staff report

One of the biggest choices is whether to carve out stronger preferences for first responders in housing lotteries, and if so, how to do it without shrinking opportunity for other local workers. Staff notes that automatic first preference in weighted drawings “could reduce housing opportunities for other applicants including teachers, nurses, childcare workers,” and points out that in 2025 and year to date 2026, critical services providers showed up in just 1 of 32 ownership drawings and 0 of 15 rental drawings. Another key area is enforcement: staff is proposing to tighten vacancy compliance for new deed restricted workforce rentals by requiring rent drops to cure a 60 day vacancy default, plus a weekly fee if the unit stays empty after the cure period. Housing staff report