Housing shortage at critical level

JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — A survey of Jackson’s ever-growing housing crunch launched by the Chamber of Commerce with assistance from the county housing department found numerous reasons to be concerned. Very concerned.

Already, as the summer tourist season heats up, Jackson has been inundated with visitors. Instead of swinging wide the doors and reaping revenue, many businesses are curtailing hours and simply closing during busy days. Popular restaurants like Local and Trio are simply shuttering on Saturday—typically the night eateries make bank—because they cannot keep their establishments staffed.

“As is the case for many businesses in Jackson, particularly in the restaurant industry, Local and Trio have been struggling to reach appropriate staffing levels for the number of guests we’re hosting. As such, we’re making a temporary change regarding our hours at both locations and will be closed for service on Saturdays effective June 12th,” ownership announced Monday.

The Chamber survey received responses from some 250 local businesses. Staffing shortages were reported across the board. Half those responding said they are considering altering hours of operation or outright closing because of the lack of employees.

From the data, the Chamber estimated a total of 3,000 available positions are sitting unfilled with, perhaps, less than 1,000 potential workers to fill them. As a result, 85% of employers polled say they have increased wages to attract employees. More than half of the businesses contacted have reported losing multiple employees because those workers lost their housing in the past six months.

And while the situation is not unique to Jackson Hole, it is perhaps more dire in a place that experiences such extremes in personal wealth, and relies heavily on tourism for its economy. Surrounding communities like Cody are also feeling the crunch.

Town and county governments have also reported difficulty in filling positions.