Valley County Commissioner Sherry Maupin delivered a multi-topic county report focused on fairgrounds improvements, a new county grant program and, most extensively, the interim committee study on workforce housing and regional infrastructure needs.

Maupin, representing the Valley County Board of Commissioners, said the county has set aside $200,000 a year in a new grant program that will require applicants to submit an application and business plan. "It's a lot more transparent to the community what they're helping to support," she said.

On workforce housing, Maupin summarized statewide interim committee discussions she participated in and highlighted practices other jurisdictions are using, including public-private partnerships, fast-track permitting for projects that meet AMI percent thresholds, and models to fund housing. She said the Idaho State Housing Trust Fund used ARPA dollars ($50 million) to produce about 1,200 units and that additional annual funding is being requested. "The number one thing that came out of all of this is underlying it all is sewer," Maupin said. She said there is an estimated need for extensive sewer and water upgrades across communities to enable denser development.

Maupin described several policy tools discussed by the committee: tourism-user fees to raise revenue from visitors, mitigation strategies for short-term rentals, allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right in some jurisdictions, and increased use of modular multifamily construction to speed delivery and reduce costs. She also said some jurisdictions are exploring "moral obligation" bonds and other funding structures.

Council members thanked her for the report and asked for a written summary; Maupin offered to circulate further details and indicated she would work with city staff to coordinate local responses and advocacy at the state level.

Maupin encouraged local engagement as legislation is drafted and noted the importance of maintaining local control over planning decisions even as the state considers changes to encourage housing development.