Stanley Workforce Housing Project Moves Forward as Developer Prepares 18 Townhomes for Essential Employees

Stanley is taking a major step toward solving its chronic shortage of year-round housing for essential workers, with Northwest Real Estate Capital Corp. now leading the design and construction of an 18-townhome workforce housing project on a 4-acre City-owned site. The development, funded in part by a $4 million HUD grant secured by Congressman Mike Simpson through Community Project Funding, is projected to deliver its first units in 2027.

Project Details and Timeline

Spring 2025 saw the City select Northwest Real Estate Capital Corp. as the developer to construct and manage the initial phase of the project. Phase 1, with a total projected cost of approximately $9.6 million, combines the federal grant, local option tax savings, and roughly $5 million in capital raised by the developer. The site, located on City-owned land just off the main corridor in downtown Stanley, will eventually provide affordable housing for up to 80 employees when fully built out.

Rental rates for Phase 1 units are estimated at $1,425 per month for a one-person household, rising to as much as $2,400 per month for a three-person household, based on income levels. Units are prioritized for permanent essential workers-teachers, firefighters, healthcare providers and other critical staff-on a first-come, first-served basis.

Addressing a Critical Gap

Stanley has long struggled with a lack of stable, year-round rental options, a problem that intensified as seasonal tourism demand pushed housing costs higher. Essential workers often found themselves priced out of the local market or forced to commute long distances, undermining the community’s ability to retain skilled staff. The workforce housing project is designed directly to close that gap by providing affordable, permanent homes for the people who keep the community running.

The $4 million HUD grant-a competitive award secured through Simpson’s office-was announced as part of the federal Community Project Funding program. The developer’s additional capital raising, together with local savings from the City’s option tax, brings the total Phase 1 budget to $9.6 million. City officials have described the project as a foundational investment in Stanley’s long-term economic stability.

What Happens Next

With the developer now selected and financing largely in place, the project moves into the detailed design and permitting phase. Construction on the 18 townhomes is expected to begin in 2026, with occupancy slated for 2027. The City has indicated that a second phase, which would add more units and potentially serve additional income brackets, is under consideration depending on demand and available funding.

For essential workers in Stanley-and for the families and businesses that depend on them-the townhomes cannot come soon enough. The project represents one of the most concrete efforts by a small mountain community to tackle its housing crisis with a targeted, publicly-backed solution.

This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.