The collapse of a vital road connecting workers in Idaho to jobs in Wyoming has brought attention to the divide between the ultra-wealthy and those who serve them. Billionaires and investors have driven home prices in Jackson, Wyoming, to sky-high levels, forcing workers to live further away from their jobs. The closure of the Teton Pass due to a massive landslide has disrupted the lives of workers who commute to Jackson but is unlikely to affect their wealthy clients. A two-lane detour is expected to be completed within weeks, but the road closure comes as tourist season begins in the Rocky Mountains.
The closure of the Teton Pass has highlighted the struggles of workers who live in Idaho but work in Jackson, a town that attracts Hollywood celebrities, tech tycoons, and billionaires. Many essential workers, including healthcare workers, face long commutes from Idaho to Jackson, which is located in the wealthiest county in the U.S. Home prices between the neighboring counties vary significantly, with median home prices over $3 million in Wyoming and around $800,000 in Idaho. The influx of wealthy individuals, including moguls like Ted Turner and Jeff Bezos, has driven up demand for housing in the area.
The allure of the scenic landscape in the area has attracted homesteaders and business leaders alike, with competition for housing in gateway communities to national parks increasing. The pandemic has further fueled demand for housing in desirable areas as remote workers sought to relocate. Local workers have voiced their frustrations about the lack of affordable housing options and the impact of the road closure on their daily lives. Calls for assistance from wealthy individuals to support the local community have highlighted the disconnect between the ultra-wealthy and those struggling to make ends meet.
Local residents, such as construction superintendent John Thomas Smaellie, have been forced to navigate lengthy detours to get to work, impacting their time with family and other commitments. The rising cost of housing in the area has made it challenging for workers to find affordable living arrangements, with some resorting to sharing apartments with multiple individuals. The housing affordability crisis in Jackson has been an ongoing issue, with efforts being made by the county to address the housing needs of local workers. Temporary solutions, such as allowing camping units and mobile homes in all zones until the road reopens, are being implemented to provide immediate relief to those affected by the road closure.
Local residents and businesses are stepping in to offer support to those impacted by the road closure, with initiatives like mutual aid Facebook groups being created to connect individuals in need with resources. The lack of immediate housing solutions and the limited availability of affordable options have created challenges for workers in the area. The ongoing struggle between the ultra-wealthy and the working class in communities like Jackson highlights the need for more affordable housing options and support for those who keep the local economy running. The road closure has underscored the vulnerability of workers who rely on access to Jackson for their livelihoods, emphasizing the importance of addressing the housing crisis in the area.
