Nelson Drive Housing Proposal
The Jackson Hole Community Housing Trust is advancing a proposal to develop housing on a federally owned parcel on Nelson Drive. The parcel was approved to support workforce housing for U.S. Forest Service employees. The current proposal would also allow private residential use on this public land. This raises questions about private benefit from public lands.
Why It Matters
This project sets a dangerous precedent to allow private use of federally owned land. The Nelson Drive Housing Proposal would be the first of its kind; we must consider the potential ripple effect on public lands across the region.
The need for workforce housing is real, particularly for federal, state, and local employees who support land management and public services. Meeting that need should not come at the expense of public land integrity. Without clear limits, this proposal risks blurring the line between public benefit and private use and introduces long-term equity and transparency concerns.
What we’re calling for : Reasonable restrictions
JHCA supports housing for public employees and the U.S. Forest Service workforce in Jackson. We do not support the Nelson Drive proposal in its current form. JHCA is advocating that all housing units on this public parcel be reserved for federal, state, town, and county employees, and that any public funding be conditioned on a clear and enforceable public benefit. We are also calling for full transparency regarding project partners and unit allocations. Our goal is to meet workforce housing needs without establishing a precedent for private residential use of public lands.
Status:
The proposal includes a mix of housing allocations, with questions remaining about eligibility, funding partners, and long-term use.
Teton County Commissioners are reviewing the Jackson Hole Community Housing Trust’s Nelson Drive housing proposal.
A federal lawsuit by a local citizen is pending.
JHCA is continuing to follow this project closely.
Timeline:
December 2025 – Proposal reviewed by County Commission
TBD – Final decision on funding and project conditions
