In the Wood River Valley, the challenges of securing stable and affordable housing are constantly being felt by locals. Meanwhile, over 66% of the housing stock in Ketchum and Sun Valley sits vacant the majority of the year. That’s where the City of Ketchum’s Lease to Locals program comes in – a program that provides a one-time cash incentive for property owners to convert their units into new seasonal and long-term rentals for the local workforce.
Growing up in a small farming community in Idaho, Brandi Johnson was fortunate enough to spend her formative years visiting the Wood River Valley and grew to call Ketchum and Sun Valley her home away from home. As an adult, she settled in Arizona but cherished the memories she made in Idaho during the summers and holidays. After not setting foot in Idaho for 28 years, on a whim she visited Sun Valley in 2021 and decided to purchase a small studio condo in Elkhorn.
After spending the last few years visiting in the off-season and renting the unit as a short-term rental, she heard about the Lease to Locals program from a postcard in the mail.
“Being a remote short-term rental owner comes with a lot of headaches and costs, and this program seemed like a great idea to help the community I love so much.” said Brandi.
“Working with Placemate to qualify for the program, list my property, and connect with local tenants was so seamless. The incentive, combined with the stable monthly rent I’m receiving from my tenants, has reduced my stress and I hope my tenant Angel and his partner stay for years to come. ” Brandi added
Angel Gutierrez came to the Wood River Valley in 2022 with a passion in hospitality to work as a manager for the Sun Valley Ski Company. He spent his first year in employee housing, but yearned to have more space, privacy, and the ability to put down roots.
“The Lease to Locals program has been a transformational experience for me and my partner. I see the impact housing insecurity has on my coworkers, and we are grateful to have found Brandi’s property on Placemate,” said Angel.
Brandi and Angel recently signed another 12 month lease and both expressed how thankful they are for the Lease to Locals program. Since launching in Fall 2022, the program has converted 32 properties into new seasonal and long-term rentals and provided housing for 59 people.