Every community has its own set of challenges. Some may pursue economic growth. Other communities may struggle to maintain services just to keep up with existing growth. Providing for the needs of business, families, and individuals that all comprise the communities in which we live is a difficult task. Though these needs are varied and complex, there is one that is common throughout most local communities-the need for decent and affordable housing choices.
Community leaders do not usually mention "housing" as one of their top three or four priorities-unless they have an acute housing problem. But this doesn't change the fact that housing is critical in supporting a community's well being. Housing can serve as a foundation for much that is needed within a community. Education, crime, civic participation, and economic development are all influenced by the availability of adequate housing choices.
In Idaho, student housing has become a more prominent concern for a number of local communities, Nampa and Caldwell to name a few. Like any business enterprise, colleges and the customers they serve can significantly impact local housing markets. Decisions or changes by a local college can result in a community being stressed by a shortage of housing, or being economically hurt from an over-abundance of housing vacancies. Good partnerships and planning between colleges, community leaders, developers and housing advocates is essential to addressing a community's housing needs.
