The attainable housing crisis continues to be one of the most urgent issues facing Coeur d’Alene and the greater Kootenai County region. As housing prices remain high and wage growth struggles to keep pace, local businesses across all industries are feeling the impact, especially in their efforts to attract and retain talent. From hospitality to healthcare, employers are watching potential hires turn down jobs simply because they can’t afford to live here.
That’s why the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber is committed to supporting and elevating the incredible city leaders, organizations and community partners who are working on the frontlines of this challenge. While the Chamber does not build homes, we are deeply invested in the work being done to make housing more attainable, because the success of our business community depends on it. “You can’t solve what you don’t understand,” said Kiki Miller, Coeur d’Alene City Council Member and head of the Housing Solutions Partnership. “We started by bringing the right people to the table — nonprofits, builders, planners, employers and citizens — so we could share data and identify the biggest barriers. What we’ve learned is that with many involved, with coordination and commitment, we have launched solutions and created more avenues for successfully addressing the housing crisis.”
A groundswell of solutions across North Idaho
Several organizations have stepped up to address housing affordability in creative, impactful ways:
• The Housing Solutions Partnership is a regional collaboration focused on developing data-driven solutions, advocating for smart policy and breaking down silos between cities, counties and stakeholders. The local statistics and solutions created since their inception, just under five years ago, have informed planning efforts and shaped new projects across jurisdictions.
• Panhandle Affordable Housing Alliance (PAHA) is creating attainable homeownership opportunities for middle-class workers priced out of Kootenai County. Executive Director Maggie Lyons explains: “With cost-reduction incentives and a resale formula, homes are sold below market but still allow owners to build equity. The homes stay affordable long-term, keeping ownership within reach for local workers. When people realize attainable doesn’t mean low-income, it changes the conversation.” PAHA is currently building 28 shared-equity homes in Post Falls, setting an example for other communities. As Lyons puts it: “This isn’t a temporary fix — it’s a lasting solution to help the middle class thrive, not just survive.”
• Habitat for Humanity of North Idaho continues to build homes for families through community partnerships and sweat equity, providing an accessible path to homeownership for working individuals who would otherwise be priced out of the market.
• HomeShare Kootenai County was a program born out of the housing solutions partnership, which is tackling housing from a different angle — matching homeowners who have extra space with renters seeking affordable options. It’s a win-win model that strengthens community ties and supports aging in place. This program is currently undergoing an expansion study/project, which will support housing healthcare and academic workers and students.
• Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Program is enabling property owners to build smaller, secondary homes on their lots, increasing housing stock in established neighborhoods without compromising character or infrastructure. This project was spearheaded by a subcommittee of citizens under the Housing Solutions Partnership in co-operation with sponsors, NIBCA and all regional jurisdictions.
• City of Post Falls is getting creative with multiple density options (examples: tiny homes, cottages, town homes, single-family homes) that are incorporated into their zoning laws.
• The Young Family’s Foundation is working to support sustainable housing solutions through philanthropy and collaboration, ensuring more young families can put down roots in the community they love.
Each of these efforts represents a piece of the puzzle. The real power comes when these pieces are connected and the community is educated, which is where the Chamber is trying to help.
Why the Chamber cares
As the voice of the business community, the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber hears every day from employers who are struggling to grow because their workers can’t find a place to live. It’s not just an economic issue — it’s a workforce crisis, a quality-of-life concern and a threat to the long-term vitality of our region.
That’s why the Chamber is proud to support the important work of coalitions and organizations such as the Housing Solutions Partnership, PAHA, Habitat for Humanity, HomeShare Kootenai County, the Young Family’s Foundation, local municipalities and many others. We’re especially grateful for Kiki Miller’s leadership of the Housing Solutions Partnership in bringing stakeholders together and championing a diverse range of solutions. Our goal is to help amplify these efforts and advocate for policies that make housing more attainable for our local workforce. We believe the best solutions come from the ground up and our job is to make sure those solutions have the visibility and momentum they need to succeed.
What’s next
Solving the housing crisis won’t happen overnight, but the progress being made in North Idaho is inspiring. As Kiki Miller puts it: “This isn’t a one-and-done challenge. We need ongoing engagement, transparency and teamwork. But the more we collaborate, the more progress we make.”
We invite local businesses, residents and civic leaders to join the conversation and take action. Whether you’re offering insights from your industry, supporting one of these great organizations or simply staying informed, your voice matters. If you would like to learn more and participate in the Housing Solutions Partnership, visit housingni.org.
Connect with the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber today to get involved in the community. Together, we can build a community where everyone has the opportunity to live, work and thrive.
Interested in joining the Chamber? Visit cdachamber.com.
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Linda Coppess is the CEO and president of the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber.