I think it is time for the Federal government to release some of the land they "own" and to provide more and better loan opportunities to build on the land. More rentals could be built, apartments for the medical and mentally challenged who can live at home with some assistance, more rental opportunities for seniors too. 
This can be done through loan programs to "for profit" businesses who will set aside a percentage of the units for the people mentioned above or for a percentance of medium income. 
It means that cities and Boroughs need to work closer with housing developers as well. 
Ketchikan has always had a shortage of rental but now we have a shortage of houses for sale too!
Yet, there are thousands of acres of land held by the Feds and by the State that need to get put into the hands of people. Land lotteries for people who want to build homes, speculators who then hold the land to sell it much later at triple the cost. 
More loans with helpfor families wanting to build.