Jackson Hole Council Approves Hoback Club's Housing Mitigation Plan with 13 Units

During a recent Teton County government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing housing mitigation program, which aims to address the critical need for affordable housing in the area. The meeting highlighted the successful implementation of this program, particularly in relation to the Hoback Club development, which is set to provide housing for a significant portion of its workforce.

The discussion began with a presentation on the housing mitigation efforts, emphasizing the importance of retaining local workers in Jackson Hole. A commissioner noted the growing interest in Teton County's housing strategies, not only from within Wyoming but also from neighboring Idaho. The housing mitigation program has evolved over the years, with adjustments made to the required number of affordable units developers must provide.

Originally, the Hoback Club was required to build 21 affordable units, but this number was reduced to 11 following a revision in 2020. Despite this reduction, the developers have committed to providing 13 units, which will accommodate about one-third of the workforce needed for the club. This commitment reflects the developers' adherence to the original mitigation requirements, even as regulations changed.

The meeting also addressed the complexities of the housing calculator used to determine the number of affordable units required. This tool considers various factors, including the number of employees generated by the development and their ability to afford market-rate housing. The current mitigation rate stands at 36.5%, meaning that a significant portion of employees will need housing that is affordable.

Commissioners expressed some confusion regarding the approval process for the Hoback Club's development plan, particularly concerning the adjustments made to the mitigation requirements. However, the overall sentiment was positive, with officials recognizing the program's effectiveness in addressing local housing needs.

As Teton County continues to grapple with housing shortages, the discussions at this meeting underscore the importance of adaptive strategies in ensuring that local workers have access to affordable living options. The next steps will likely involve further evaluations of the housing mitigation program and continued collaboration with developers to meet the community's needs.