The Jackson Hole Community Housing Trust and the Bridger-Teton National Forest have announced plans to develop 36 affordable rental units at the Nelson Drive trailhead in East Jackson, marking a first-of-its-kind collaboration. Scheduled to break ground next spring, the project will offer one- and two-bedroom units across 14 buildings, with 12 units reserved specifically for Forest Service employees who help manage over 3 million acres of public land. By 2027, 13 Forest Service families are expected to move in. Rent prices will be income-based, with Forest Service workers paying reduced rates — around $1,000 to $1,500 — while other qualified Teton County residents will pay between $1,400 and $3,000 depending on unit size and household income. The aim is to provide affordable housing solutions for critical workers such as firefighters and avalanche forecasters, while also supporting broader community needs.
The project will be built on 3.5 acres of Forest Service land under a 30-year Special Use Permit that authorizes the Housing Trust to design, construct, and manage the development. This arrangement ensures one-third of units are reserved for federal employees while the rest benefit the wider community. Funding will come from a mix of USDA grants, philanthropy, rental revenue, and innovative “rental option” agreements that allow employers to secure long-term leases for staff. Similar models have been used in Teton County before, reducing the burden on local employers while ensuring stable housing for workers. Jackson officials emphasized that the land remains federally owned and was previously zoned for administrative use, avoiding controversial land sales. With costs estimated at $29.5 million for construction, the project represents a public-private approach to addressing the region’s housing crisis.
(Photo below is a rendering of a duplex to be built as part of the project, courtesy JH Community Housing Trust)
