JACKSON, Wyo. — April Norton, the director of the Jackson/Teton County Affordable Housing Department, has announced her resignation from the joint Town and County position after spending 10 years with the agency.
Teton County announced Norton’s departure on Friday afternoon, saying that she will remain in the position until near the end of the year, while the Town of Jackson and Teton County begin a local, regional and nationwide search to fill the position in the coming weeks. Norton told Buckrail on Monday that she felt it’s the right time to make a change, and that she is looking forward to spending more time with her family and two school-aged children.
“I think whether it’s this past year or the entire 10 years I’ve been here, it’s not an easy job — it’s not for the faint of heart,” Norton said. “I’m not leaving because of one thing. It really is just timing. I mean, 10 years is a really, really long time for somebody to be in a job like this. And I’m super proud of all we’ve accomplished and it just really felt like the time.”
According to Teton County, Norton spearheaded the Housing Preservation Program, which helps locals attain homeownership while preserving existing homes in the community. She also assisted in the completion of eight public-private developments that created 241 homes: 189 affordable and 52 workforce.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve this community I love so much for the past decade,” Norton said in a statement. “I am deeply grateful to the Town and County for this opportunity, current and past Housing Supply and Housing Authority Board members for their expertise and support, my team of incredible colleagues for their dedication to providing homes for locals, and the many partners with whom we were able to work.”
When asked about her greatest accomplishment at the Housing Department, Norton had a hard time narrowing it down. Ultimately, she said that the Jackson Street Apartments were a memorable product of community collaboration and generosity. She said that most of the 57 rental homes are reserved for households earning less than 80% of the median income. The project was a partnership between Teton County, the Cumming Foundation, and the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole.
“That one took many, many years to get finished,” Norton explained to Buckrail on the phone. “And I think it’s a testament to what can get done when everybody’s rowing in the same direction and sticks with it.”
A search for the new director will be initiated by the Town and County soon, and Norton has committed to working with the incoming director to facilitate a seamless transition. The Town of Jackson and Teton County expressed gratitude for Norton’s dedication to affordable housing initiatives and the impact she has made on the community.
“April’s commitment to expanding affordable housing opportunities has ensured that the vital workers who sustain our community can build secure, stable lives here,” Teton County Commissioners’ Administrator Jodie Pond said in the announcement. “The impact of her dedicated work over the past decade will continue to benefit hardworking individuals and families now and well into the future. She will be greatly missed.”
