Federal Land and the Housing Crisis: A Targeted Approach gains Momentum
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The American West is facing a housing crunch, and a surprising solution is gaining traction: utilizing federal lands. For years, the idea of large-scale sell-offs of public land has been debated as a way to increase housing supply and lower costs.But as political hurdles mount, a more focused strategy - transferring smaller parcels for targeted development – is emerging as a viable path forward. Let’s explore how this shift is happening and what it means for communities struggling with affordability.
The Stalled Push for a Large-Scale Sell-Off
The idea of unlocking millions of acres of federal land for housing isn’t new. Proponents argue it’s a straightforward way to address the severe housing shortages plaguing many Western states. however, recent legislative efforts to achieve this have faced significant resistance.
Senator Mike Lee of Utah recently proposed an amendment to a larger bill that would have required federal agencies to identify and make available for sale at least 5% of federal lands within states with populations under 200,000. This amendment ultimately failed to pass.The core issue? Concerns about environmental impact and the potential loss of public access to treasured landscapes.
As one expert noted, “Ther’s no silver bullet that’s going to solve the affordability crisis.” The sweeping approach of simply selling off vast tracts of land proved too contentious, highlighting the need for a more nuanced strategy.
A Shift Towards Targeted Transfers
While a massive land sale isn’t currently feasible, a more targeted approach is gaining momentum. Instead of broad sell-offs, the focus is shifting to identifying specific parcels of land suitable for development and transferring them to local governments or private developers for affordable housing projects.
This strategy acknowledges the concerns of conservationists while still addressing the urgent need for more housing. it allows for careful consideration of environmental impacts and ensures that development aligns with community needs.
Edward Pinto, who directs housing efforts at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), initially advocated for larger sales but now recognizes the political realities. He acknowledges that, “At the moment, there doesn’t appear to be an easy route to sell large swaths of public land for development.” He now champions a “much more targeted approach.”
Nevada Leads the Way: Success Stories in Action
nevada is emerging as a leader in this targeted land transfer approach. Clark County, such as, purchased 20 acres from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for just $2,000 last year. The county plans to build single-family homes specifically for first-time homebuyers on this land.
This isn’t just a future plan; it’s already yielding results. A new affordable housing development in Las Vegas, an apartment complex for residents 55 and older with rents starting at $573, recently opened its doors. The project was built by Ovation, a developer utilizing land transferred through the Southern Nevada public Land Management Act (SNPLMA).
While the initial deal for this project was proposed in 2020, the process has accelerated recently. Ovation is already working on a similar project in Henderson, Nevada, which received BLM approval last February. Jess Molasky, Ovation’s chief operating officer, anticipates breaking ground in the first quarter of next year.
These examples demonstrate the potential of targeted land transfers to create much-needed affordable housing options. It’s a slower process than a large-scale sale, but it allows for responsible development that benefits both communities and the environment.
What This Means for you
The shift towards targeted land transfers offers a glimmer of hope for those struggling to find affordable housing in the West. While challenges remain, this approach represents a pragmatic and politically viable path forward.
It’s a reminder that complex problems rarely have simple solutions. By focusing on targeted, well-planned development, we can unlock the potential of federal lands to address the housing crisis without sacrificing our cherished public spaces. the Nevada model provides a blueprint for other states to follow, demonstrating that with collaboration and a commitment to responsible development, we can build a more affordable future.
