Word on the Street

The Mayor's Missive
June 27, 2024

KETCHUM IS AWARDED $2.5 MILLION HOUSING GRANT

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded the City of Ketchum $2.5 million for gap financing of new construction and acquisition/rehabilitation of community housing to help support its Housing Action Plan. Some grant funds will also support Ketchum’s Comprehensive Plan and Code Update project. The award is part of $85 million total grant funding for the Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) program. According to the HUD press release, “PRO Housing provides grant funding to communities actively taking steps and demonstrating progress in addressing needless local housing barriers to housing production.” Click here for the full press release.) We are clearly delighted to receive this funding. It not only helps fund our housing efforts, it validates that the Housing Action Plan is on the right course.

A CANVAS FOR A WORLD CUP PARTY

With the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) Alpine Ski World Cup headed to Baldy in March 2025, the Ketchum City Council will consider its role in supporting the event. This is a time to celebrate a sport that is central to many of our lives and brought some of us here in the first place! We are proposing potential partnerships with event producers that would make use of public spaces, such as parks, streets, and other right-of-ways, available for various events during the competition to enhance the World Cup experience for athletes, visitors, and residents alike. If the council supports this vision, then community meetings will follow to get public feedback on potential plans.

BLUEBIRD IS READY TO TAKE FLIGHT

As we approach the completion of the Bluebird Village community housing development, anyone interested in applying should do so on the Blaine County Housing Authority website (bcoha.org) or at the link below. Remember, there are preference policies for public sector workers and critical care providers.

Click here to complete the intake form for Bluebird housing.

A HANDBOOK FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Three years ago, the city formed the Historic Preservation Commission to preserve iconic buildings and ensure a more rigorous process was in place to protect many beloved aspects of Ketchum’s character. One of their projects with the Planning and Building Department has been the creation of a Ketchum Historic Preservation Handbook. The manual is for current and future historic property owners regarding what they can do with their property and how to work with the city to preserve their historic assets. It is also a showcase of Ketchum’s history. Click here to view the Historic Preservation Handbook.

Hope you are getting into the swing of summer!

Cheers,
Neil

To read the rest of Issue No. 154 of the Word on the Street, click here.