MAPP Talks: Affordable Housing with Ali Rabe and Monica Fabbi

Last night in Garden City, The College of Idaho Masters of Applied Public Policy (MAPP) program brought together students, local leaders, and community members for a thoughtful and solutions-focused conversation about affordable housing in Idaho.

The discussion was led by Ali Rabe, Executive Director of the Gem State Housing Alliance, and Monica Fabbi, Staff Attorney at Intermountain Fair Housing Council.  Both leaders brought deep expertise and on-the-ground experience to the conversation, offering insight into the challenges Idaho communities are facing—and the innovative approaches emerging to address them.

Rabe outlined the growing gap between wages and housing costs across the state, emphasizing how rising rents, limited housing inventory, and stagnant incomes are putting pressure on working families. She highlighted the role that eviction prevention, tenant protections, and emergency rental assistance play in stabilizing households before they fall into homelessness.

Fabbi focused on the supply side of the equation, discussing the barriers to developing affordable housing—including land costs, construction expenses, zoning regulations, and financing hurdles. She shared examples of successful housing developments and partnerships that demonstrate how collaboration between nonprofits, local governments, and private developers can expand access to affordable homes.

Students in the MAPP program facilitated dialogue around policy solutions, exploring tools such as inclusionary zoning, public-private partnerships, land trusts, and state-level funding strategies. Attendees asked questions about how Idaho communities can balance growth with affordability, and how to ensure that teachers, first responders, healthcare workers, and service industry employees can afford to live in the communities they serve.

A recurring theme throughout the evening was the importance of data-driven policymaking combined with community voice. Both speakers emphasized that affordable housing is not a one-size-fits-all issue—rural and urban communities across Idaho face different challenges requiring tailored solutions.

The event underscored the value of convening diverse stakeholders to address complex policy issues. By bringing together students, practitioners, and community members, The College of Idaho’s MAPP program continues to create space for meaningful dialogue and actionable ideas.

As Idaho continues to grow, conversations like this are critical to shaping policies that ensure safe, stable, and affordable housing remains within reach for all Idahoans.