New Land Use Code – It’s been a long time coming…

May 6, 2021 — In 2020 Teton County adopted a new Comprehensive Plan.  In the 9 years since, after numerous public workshops, stakeholder interviews and committee meetings, the new Land Use Code draft is ready to be commented on.  READ MORE about the history leading up to this point and highlights of the draft in our most recent newsletter.

Click image to hear audio message

A Special Message from VARD Board President

April 23, 2021 — Mike Pfeil, VARD’s Board President delivers an audio MESSAGE to Teton Valley residents on the recently drafted Land Use Code. The adoption of new code is possibly the most critically important moment in our 20-year history and the future of our beloved Valley.  READ MORE about recent development issues and how to learn more about the Draft Development Code Open Houses set for April 27-29.

A New Era of Planning & Zoning for Teton Valley?

April 12, 2021 — At long last, Teton County released its proposed Land Use Code.  This new code is possibly the most important moment in our 20-year history, and has the potential to usher in a new period of planning, zoning and development.  READ MORE about the code and the current slate of proposed developments in the Valley.

WE DID IT! — 300 Main Vacated 

March 12, 2021 — It’s not often that you get to turn back the clock and totally undo a giant speculative project from the last real estate boom. READ MORE about the partnership between VARD and the owners of 300 Main to jointly petition the City of Driggs to formally vacate the project.

To Sprawl or Not to Sprawl? 

February 16, 2021 — Last month, the City of Victor Planning & Zoning Commission substantively changed the draft Future Land Use Map (FLUM) to allow for more greenspace at the city’s edges. While this is generally a good change, the FLUM is still fundamentally flawed.  READ MORE.

What is the Best Use of the Old Victor Elementary?

February 1, 2021 — Four bids for the purchase of the Old Victor Elementary were submitted to Teton School District 401, and the Broulim’s bid was accepted.  Could the other bids have offered better possibilities for highest use?   READ MORE.

The Future of Victor – A Compact & Livable City or a Sprawling Mess?

December 30, 2020 — The City of Victor held its first public hearing on the draft Comprehensive Plan on January 7, 2021.  Read VARD’s concerns and our take on the good, the bad and the ugly aspects of the plan.  READ MORE.

Anna and Niki Talk Grand Targhee Expansion –

December 17, 2021 — Anna and Niki speak on the various federal agencies and policies governing Grand Targhee’s proposed expansion, from the EIS being drafted by Caribou-Targhee National Forest, to NEPA regulations and how the Ski Area Recreational Opportunities Act may effect the outcome.  LISTEN HERE.

Goodbye Sandy, you will be missed!

December 28, 2021 — Saunders “Sandy” Mason one of the original pioneers of conservation of Teton Valley’s scenic beauty, agricultural richness and wildlife, passed away on December 26, 2021.  To learn more about Sandy’s mission and his legacy READ MORE

Grand Targhee Expansion Scoping Comments

Click here for VARD’s Scoping comment.

If VARD had a FAQ section, right now number one would be “What are you doing about the Targhee Expansion?”  In a nutshell, it is this: Currently, VARD is a source of information. Later, we will be a source of opinion.  READ MORE

Maytag Property now Forest Service Property

September 29, 2020 –  VARD is pleased to announce that, along with our partners the Caribou-Targhee National Forest (CTNF), the Conservation Fund, the Teton Regional Land Trust, supportive landowners at the Beartooth Group, the Teton County Commissioners, and Idaho’s Congressional delegation, the 960-acre Maytag Property in Horseshoe Canyon has been acquired by CTNF and is now public land. READ MORE

VARD & Statewide Nonprofits Band Together to Help Victor Trailer Park Residents

On September 16, 2020, The Intermountain Fair Housing Council (IFHC), a Boise-based housing advocacy nonprofit, issued this letter to Teton Valley Resort alleging that displacement of residents of the Rockin’ H Mobile Home Community is likely in violation   READ MORE

VARD & Partners Win $20 Million BUILD Grant!

Collaboration ain’t easy, but it gets results! In Spring of 2020, a group of businesses, nonprofits, and local governments in Teton Valley and Jackson Hole came together and applied for a $20 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant from the US Department of Transportation (USDOT). READ MORE

VARD and City of Driggs Reach Settlement Agreement for Matthews Annexation and Rezone

July 24, 2020 – VARD and the City of Driggs reached a settlement agreement for the Matthews Annexation and Rezone. As you may recall, we filed an Open Meetings and Due Process Complaint against the City of Driggs in May because the city tried to rush the approval during the March/April/May COVID-19 lockdown. The city has agreed to re-process the annexation and rezone, provide accommodation to those unable to participate via Zoom, conduct a recusal (bias) analysis of city council members, and to perform a number of other things to make the process more fair, transparent, and accessible.  READ MORE

The Problem

For nearly a decade, Teton County, ID grew at an unprecedented rate as one of the fastest growing counties in Idaho and the entire nation. The rapid growth strained every type of local resource, from water supply to wildlife habitat to government capacity.

Now, with the housing market fall-out, Teton County is faced with a huge over-supply of homes and lots, as well as one of the highest foreclosure rates in the nation. The land-use decisions we make now will reverberate far beyond our own lifetimes.

The Solution

Founded in 2001, Valley Advocates for Responsible Development is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit citizens’ group working towards fair and predictable development that will benefit the entire community and future generations.

We seek to be a resource for local decision makers and developers, as well as to educate and empower citizens to be involved in the local decision making process. Please join us. Your generous tax-deductible contribution will help us to continue our important work at hand to promote a prosperous community, while preserving the qualities that make Teton Valley, ID & WY special.

Who We Are

Our Mission: To shape policy, guide development, and provide outreach to preserve natural resources, protect rural character, and promote vibrant communities in Teton Valley through civic action.

What We Believe

VARD believes in smart growth and thoughtful development that benefits and promotes vibrant communities and future generations.

What We Do

VARD works with citizens, other nonprofit organizations, developers and local government to promote responsible development and sustainable use of the rural and natural resources of Teton Valley.