Skip to main content

  • Comment Detail

  • Date: 03/17/23
    First Name: Trent
    Last Name: Wright
    Email: twright@idahobankers.org
    Organization Type: other
    Organization: Idaho Bankers Assoc.

  • Comment

    On behalf of the membership of the Idaho Bankers Association thank yo ufor the opportunity to commnet. For Idaho, the FHLB has provided $16.3 million in affordable housing grants, $10.9 million in down payment grants and $305 million in mortgage programs in Idaho to address affordable housing. FHLB plays a key part of helping Idahoans stay in Idaho and has been a driver in addressing Idaho's very real need for affordable housing.

    Housing issues have plagued the Treasure Valley and North Idaho in particular over the past two years as population growth drove real estate prices and average rents to historic highs. While the market has cooled in recent months, advocates say the situation is still extreme for many residents. Idaho has a shortage of over 24,000 affordable and available homes for renters with modest incomes.

    If recent history has shown us anything is that limiting participation or increased regulatory burdens within the FHLB system is not good for community banks in Idaho. The low cost, readily available liquidity provided by FHLB enables Idaho community banks to support their communities.

    Respectfully,
    Trent-
    President and CEO
    Idaho Bankers Association