A bipartisan group of Wyoming legislators has introduced House Bill 272, aiming to address the state’s growing housing shortage, Sheridan Media reports.
The bill seeks to create grants and low-interest loans for the construction and rehabilitation of homes, particularly in areas like affordable, workforce, starter, and senior housing. This initiative responds to the increasing concern that a lack of attainable housing options is a barrier to the health and growth of Wyoming’s communities.
Representative Trey Sherwood, the bill’s sponsor from Albany County, emphasized that housing issues were among the most frequently raised concerns during his door-to-door campaigning. He pointed out that many parents watch their children move out of state due to better housing markets, while young families who want to stay in Wyoming struggle to afford starter homes.
“Wyoming’s hardworking families shouldn’t have to go into debt to put a roof over their heads,” Sherwood said.
Senator Evie Brennan, co-sponsor of the bill and representative of Laramie County, highlighted the connection between affordable housing and economic development.
“If we are going to diversify our economy, we have to have a workforce,” Brennan said. “Affordable housing is a critical part of the infrastructure needed for our communities and state to thrive.”
The bill would establish the “Wyoming Statewide Housing Investment Fund,” designed to provide funding to the Wyoming Community Development Authority (WCDA) for financial assistance programs. These would include grants and low-interest loans for nonprofits, local governments, and developers. Wyoming is currently one of only three states without such a fund.
Nonprofit organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the Wyoming Housing Network could apply for grants and zero-interest loans for a range of housing initiatives, including new construction, repairs, transitional housing, and first-time homebuyer assistance. For-profit developers would also be eligible for low-interest revolving loans for similar projects.
The bill also allows government entities and nonprofits to apply for funding to help with administration, planning, and capacity building for housing projects. Scott Hoversland, director of the WCDA, expressed support for the initiative, noting that the Statewide Housing Investment Fund aligns with the goals outlined in Wyoming’s Statewide Housing Strategic Action Plan. The fund would offer more flexibility than federal housing resources, allowing for targeted investments in areas with specific local needs.
In its recent housing report, the WCDA identified a need for 20,700 to 38,600 new housing units across the state to meet current demand. The strategic plan calls for a flexible housing development fund that would allow local communities to access grants, low-cost loans, and other financial assistance for housing projects. The plan emphasizes the importance of serving populations that may not be eligible for federal assistance, such as essential workers, and enabling localities to control how funds are utilized.
The housing shortage is a widespread issue in Wyoming. A 2022 survey conducted by the Wyoming Association of Municipalities found that 90% of cities and towns in the state are experiencing some form of housing shortage. The lack of affordable housing, workforce housing, and senior housing is hindering recruitment and slowing economic diversification efforts across communities.
Sherwood noted that the housing issue is having a stifling effect on the state’s economy.
“The government must serve hardworking people, not just the wealthy and well-connected,” he said. “If we want our young people to stay and raise their kids in Wyoming, we must invest in housing infrastructure.”
