Dynamic Planning + Science partnered with the Region 10 League for Economic Assistance and Planning to conduct a groundbreaking regional housing meta-analysis for six counties on Colorado’s Western Slope. This study synthesizes existing Housing Needs Assessments (HNAs) and evaluates workforce housing challenges, focusing on production gaps, affordability issues, labor shortages, and funding barriers. The report provides actionable recommendations to address workforce housing needs through innovative financial strategies, regional collaboration, and public-private partnerships. Designed to support local employers and employees, the study aims to build a more resilient and vibrant regional economy.
Highlights
- Regional Collaboration: Synthesized housing needs across six counties, emphasizing shared workforce housing challenges and opportunities for collaboration.
- Comprehensive Housing Analysis: Identified the need for 6,600 new housing units by 2032 to meet current and projected workforce demand.
- Affordability Insights: Highlighted the growing gap between wages and home prices, with median homeownership costs far exceeding affordability thresholds.
- Economic Impacts: Modeled the need to double regional construction labor to meet housing production goals, providing data-driven insights on economic growth.
- Innovative Solutions: Proposed public-private partnerships to address a $3.8 billion funding gap and develop “missing middle” housing for households earning 60% to 140% of Area Median Income (AMI).
- Data-Driven Recommendations: Delivered practical strategies to accelerate housing production, reduce costs, and foster long-term regional resilience.
Teaming Partners
