Boise Confronts Affordable Housing Issue

At a recent ULI Conference, local and national experts discussed housing trends in fast-growing Boise Metro area, and urged developers to build more low-cost homes.

1 minute read

March 22, 2007, 8:00 AM PDT

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera


"If you are in the market for a high-end house, you're in luck.

If you're in the market for a low-priced house, take a number and stand in line.

If you are a builder or developer, you might want to re-read the above sentences before deciding what kind of house to build.

That's the message from local and national real estate experts in response to the recent downshift in the (Boise City-Nampa MSA) Treasure Valley housing market."

"Idaho is ranked third nationally for growth. Experts predict the Gem State will hold that spot through 2030, provided key players - developers, lenders, business and political leaders - pay careful attention to the market."

"The Ada County median household income has stayed flat for the past few years at about $56,000, while home prices soared 50 to 60 percent during the same period, said Starr, with Colliers International Boise office."

Thanks to Jon Cecil, AICP

Wednesday, March 21, 2007 in The (Boise) Idaho Statesman

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Aerial view of single-family homes with swimming pools in San Diego, California.

San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule

The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.

March 9, 2025 - Axios

Canadian flag in foreground with blurred Canadian Parliament building in background in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Has President Trump Met His Match?

Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

March 11, 2025 - Toronto Star

Close-up of green ULEZ sign in London, UK.

Study: London ULEZ Rapidly Cleaning up Air Pollution

Expanding the city’s ultra low-emission zone has resulted in dramatic drops in particle emissions in inner and outer London.

March 10, 2025 - Smart Cities World

Tents set up by unhoused people under freeway overpass in San Jose, California with American flag above them.

San Jose Mayor Takes Dual Approach to Unsheltered Homeless Population

In a commentary published in The Mercury News, Mayor Matt Mahan describes a shelter and law enforcement approach to ending targeted homeless encampments within Northern California's largest city.

5 hours ago - The Mercury News

Blue Atlanta streetcar on street in downtown Atlanta, Georgia.

Atlanta Changes Beltline Rail Plan

City officials say they are committed to building rail connections, but are nixing a prior plan to extend the streetcar network.

6 hours ago - Saporta Report

New York City city hall building.

Are Black Mayors Being Pushed Out of Office?

The mayors of New York, St. Louis, and Pittsburgh all stand to lose their seats in the coming weeks. They also all happen to be Black.

7 hours ago - Governing

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.