In Idaho’s housing shortage, cities hold the keys to more construction | Opinion

Idaho is reaching a point where the private market alone cannot deliver the necessary volume or diversity of homes that working families need. Cities across Idaho are feeling this strain as outdated zoning codes, inconsistent processes and a lack of technical support create barriers that stop housing developments from breaking ground or from being affordable for Idahoans.

We must allow our cities to take steps to update local codes and embrace proven strategies that increase housing supply, thus making housing more feasible and more affordable, to avoid the regulatory gridlock that states like California experienced.

Many Idaho cities genuinely want to move housing development projects forward, but they lack the staff capacity and technical assistance required to evaluate land, reevaluate zoning codes, and work collaboratively with developers and builders. The expertise needed to translate a comprehensive plan into a functional, working zoning code is significant, particularly for rapidly growing communities that face no shortage of challenges.

There is tremendous development opportunity across Idaho, especially in commercial corridors and older single-family neighborhoods with large lots. A clear framework for zoning reform, site selection, and early collaboration can turn stagnant parcels into new starter homes, townhomes, small multifamily buildings and mixed-use housing. Estimates from the American Enterprise Institute are that at least 12,000 additional starter homes could be built each year with policy improvements.

Creating attainable, workforce and entry-level homes is difficult in today’s market and often requires a complex mix of financing. Local jurisdictions can play a direct role in solving some challenges by offering policy solutions that codify predictable processes, offer flexible zoning for smaller homes, clear communication about available infrastructure, and reasonable property tax exemptions for certain types of developments.

When local governments coordinate early with developers, help assemble sites or provide modest incentives, the economics shift and projects can move forward. These steps do not require massive subsidies; they require clarity, leadership, and a commitment to unlocking land and process for housing.

Without more structured support and intentional local level action, Idaho will continue to fall behind on housing supply, causing major struggles for families, employers, and young people who want to stay. Some of our neighboring states have failed to maintain healthy housing supplies as demand grows — we know how this plays out.

Shellan Rodriguez is the CEO and owner of SMR Development LLC, with extensive real estate development experience in the private and public sector, including urban renewal, mixed-use and affordable housing implementation, land use and entitlements. She is a board member of the new advocacy organization, Gem State Housing Alliance and lives in Boise.

This story was originally published December 4, 2025 at 6:00 AM.