The need for workforce housing in Hailey and the larger Wood River Valley is longstanding, yet it has grown to crisis levels in recent years. The availability and affordability of housing here is challenged by:

• historically high building costs;
• our proximity to the seasonal and resort-based economy of Sun Valley;
• prices driven by second-home owners and newer remote workers;
• land scarcity; and
• underbuilding, nationally and locally.

Housing insecurity and shortages challenge Hailey's pride in being home to the "locals" and workforce of the valley. Beyond cultural pride, this tenet of Hailey's identity shapes the City's day to day operations and priorities. Housing maintains its own section in the City’s Comprehensive Plan, plus it is central to two other sections— the Land Use, Population and Growth Management and the Demographics, Cultural Vitality, Social Diversity & Well-Being sections. As stated in the Plan, accessible housing is key to the vibrancy and sustainability of life in Hailey. We need a diversity of local and accessible housing options to support of our local businesses, provide necessary government services, avoid congestion and maintain safety on our roads, sustain our beautiful environment, and preserve the cherished qualities of Hailey.

Discussions about housing are grouped into two main categories: “market housing” and “community housing," both are needed for a healthy housing economy. Market housing is not defined in Hailey's Municipal Code, but is generally considered to be any and all housing that is not restricted in terms of sales, rental price, residency, or occupancy. Community Housing Units are defined in the Hailey Municipal Code as follows: 

COMMUNITY HOUSING UNIT: Through a deed restriction, a dwelling unit that is restricted by size, type and cost, and/or that is for sale or rent exclusively to individual(s) meeting income, occupancy and/or other affordable community housing criteria established in a community housing plan approved by the City of Hailey.

The City is scheduled to undertake a Comprehensive Plan update and Housing Action Plan in 2023. Meanwhile, the City has adopted the following goals as an Interim Housing Policy Statement:

• City Employees: Work with existing and new employees who seek housing, are housing- burdened, and/or wish to move on the continuum towards home ownership.
• Housing Providers: Strengthen and/or expand our partnerships with new and emerging community housing providers, including both rental and for-purchase housing.
• Community Partnerships: Partner with housing organizations, local governments, and others to increase community housing supply.
• Local Employers: Work with area employers on securing employee and community housing, particularly Hailey employers.
• Housing Diversity: Continue to promote housing diversity by enabling the production of a wide variety of housing types in applicable zoning district.
• Municipal Code: Continue to implement code changes that increase local community housing units, market opportunities, and housing accessibility.

Periodically, the Community Development Department publishes reports related to housing in Hailey:

• 2025 Hailey Housing Committee Report - Updated
• 2025 January Housing Report
• 2024 Hailey Housing Committee Report
• 2024 January Housing Report
• August 30, 2023 Hailey Housing Needs and Projections Draft
• 2023 January Housing Report
• January 23, 2023 - Seasonal Report
• September 26, 2022 - Introductory Report to City Council 

Community partnerships are key to Hailey's progress and accomplishments.

Partnerships include local non-profits, for example, who have managed the recent and significant development of community housing units in Hailey. Local non-profit organizations also support the effectiveness of City projects and programs with data and financing options. The City of Hailey coordinates its planning efforts with the other Wood River Valley municipalities, as well as with employer, real estate industry, and developer stakeholders. Private industry stakeholders are key to regulating and tracking housing programs, such as those involving but not limited to the short-term rental market and the City's new employee housing assistance program. 

Explore the resources available through our community partners, the following organizations may provide you with financial support and housing opportunities:

• Blaine County Charitable Fund
• Blaine County Housing Authority
• ARCH Community Housing Trust
• Wood River Community Housing Trust
• Syringa Property Management
• Idaho Housing and Finance Association
• South Central Community Action Partnership
• Sunnyside Apartments
• Balmoral Apartments
• Baldy View Apartments

• Locals for ADUs Program

• Development Options