In a recent joint information meeting held by the Jackson Town Council and Teton County, discussions centered on enhancing housing preservation efforts and addressing the complexities of accessory residential units (ARUs). The meeting highlighted the need for a more robust housing preservation program, with officials expressing a desire to expand current initiatives beyond the limited goal of preserving just 15 homes over the next five years.

Commissioner Probst emphasized the importance of developing a comprehensive policy that would allow for greater preservation of homes, suggesting that staff should return with alternative proposals that could include increased funding and more ambitious goals. This approach aims to better meet the community's housing needs and provide a clearer understanding of the financial implications of various options.

The conversation also touched on the challenges associated with ARUs, which are intended to provide affordable housing options. Currently, homeowners with ARUs face restrictions on renting these units, which must be leased to workforce members or remain empty. This has led to questions about the effectiveness of the existing ARU pilot program, which lacks funding and has not generated significant interest or participation.

To address these issues, the housing department is working on a guide to assist homeowners interested in creating ARUs. This guide aims to simplify the process and provide resources for those willing to contribute to the local workforce housing supply. Officials noted that successful ARU programs in other regions often do not impose deed restrictions, focusing instead on increasing housing supply without stringent regulations.

Additionally, the meeting included updates on the rehabilitation of the historic Benson Cabin, a collaborative effort with Habitat for Humanity. This project aims to explore ways to ease the financial burden of preserving historic structures, which can often be prohibitively expensive. An upcoming request for proposals will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners to further this initiative.

Overall, the discussions at the meeting reflect a commitment to addressing housing challenges in Jackson and Teton County, with a focus on creating more effective policies and support systems for residents. As these initiatives progress, they hold the potential to significantly impact the community's housing landscape.