Affordable Housing vs Housing Affordability
Like much of the country, Idaho faces a shortage of housing for those who lack the financial means.
Affordable housing isn’t the same thing as housing affordability. So, what is the difference?
Please join us at the BOMA Idaho membership luncheon on March 12th where you’ll hear from a panel of local experts to specifically addressing that question and offering potential solutions on the local, regional, and national level.
Topics Will Include:
Affordable Housing
Housing Affordability
Workforce Housing
Lobby Efforts
Idaho's Place on the Map
Success Stories in Idaho
Loading up the Pipeline
Panelists
Bill Rauer (Moderator)
General Manager, Merchants Moving & Storage
Bill Rauer has been the general manager of Merchants Moving & Storage since August 2022 and an active member of BOMA Idaho's Programs & Education committee for the past two years.
Most of Bill's career has been in real estate development from large scale retail to single-family residential.
He has a professional Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Idaho and an executive Master of Business Administration degree from Boise State University.
Bill is a seasoned moderator skilled in asking tough questions, keeping conversations moving, and producing value for his audience.
Steve Martinez
Owner, Tradewinds General Contracting, Inc.
I’ve always said I was born with a hammer in my hand. Construction has been in my blood since day one, thanks to my parents, who founded Tradewinds in 1980. After graduating from Boise State, I joined Tradewinds full-time, working as an estimator and job superintendent. Starting from the ground up not only taught me the value of hard work but also gave me a deep appreciation for the skilled people who build our communities.
Beyond the job site, I am deeply involved in the local, state, and national builders associations. My belief in the philosophy of “get involved or get out of business” has kept me ahead of industry challenges and positioned me to advocate effectively for growth and housing issues. Through these associations, I’ve had the opportunity to build relationships with policymakers, elected officials, and even those who may initially oppose growth. I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition for my contributions at all levels, but the real reward has been the chance to work alongside some of the most influential leaders in our industry.
At the heart of everything I do is a commitment to building—not just homes, but lasting relationships and stronger communities.
Ken Burgess
Partner, Veritas Advisors
Ken Burgess joined Veritas Advisors as a Partner in 2004 after a dozen years of state executive and Congressional staff experience, and his unique approach to public policy and communications serve clients well. Through campaign-oriented development and execution of grassroots networks and communication, the identification and use of news media opportunities, and relationships with community opinion leaders, he helps influence public policy makers through the shaping of public opinion.
Mr. Burgess serves as a lobbyist for the Idaho Home Builders Association and leads local advocacy efforts for the Building Contractors Association of Southwest Idaho. He has also developed expertise in the policy and funding of both transportation and education. A veteran of numerous local, legislative, and statewide political campaigns. He is a third-generation Idahoan and enjoys big game hunting and golf.
Bart Cochran
Founder and CEO of LEAP Housing
Bart Cochran is the CEO and founder of LEAP Housing. From Sandpoint, Idaho, he attended the University of Idaho before moving to the “big city” of Boise to begin his real estate career. Seeing an increasing number of people unable to access housing in the region and feeling the need to create avenues to housing for those facing difficult market forces and other barriers.
In 2016, Bart began working as the volunteer founder and CEO of the nonprofit now known as LEAP Housing. LEAP’s mission is to develop and preserve workforce housing in Idaho while providing empowering services that lead to greater housing stability. Boise Regional REALTORS and Idaho Regional REALTORS awarded Bart the Good Neighbor Award in 2023. This award recognizes a REALTOR® who volunteers time and resources to the community through volunteerism.
Bart pivoted to leading LEAP Housing full-time in 2021 while remaining a licensed Realtor. Since then, LEAP has become a leader in workforce housing in Idaho and is on track to bring more than 1,000 housing opportunities to Idaho by 2026.
Bart lives in Northwest Boise on a tiny farm with his wife and son and can be spotted around town in his orange 1970s Volkswagen bus, affectionately known as the “LEAP Bus.”
Zach Higgins
Managing Member/CEO, CCM
Wright Brothers, The Building Company
With over six years as CEO of Wright Brothers, The Building Company, Zach Higgins has led the company to success across the United States. A graduate of Boise State University with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, Zach’s journey in the industry began during the height of the 2009 recession. He landed his first role at Wright Brothers by demonstrating perseverance and a relentless work ethic—values that continue to shape his leadership today.
Zach’s entrepreneurial drive was ignited in 2014 when he and Trevor Wright pursued the opportunity to acquire Wright Brothers. Since then, he has focused on fostering a "team above self" leadership style, emphasizing trust, respect, and collaboration to bring out the best in his team.
Beyond business, Zach is passionate about making a tangible impact in his community, leveraging the company’s resources to support nonprofit organizations and local initiatives. He credits his success to key mentors—including his parents, his wife’s grandfather, and the founders of Wright Brothers—who instilled in him the importance of work ethic, integrity, and continuous growth.
For aspiring leaders, Zach’s advice is clear: surround yourself with driven, intelligent, and motivated individuals, seek honest feedback, and trust your instincts when making tough decisions.
When he’s not leading the company, Zach enjoys unwinding with his wife and two sons in Cascade, hitting the golf course in the summer, and hunting with family and friends in the fall and winter.