If you missed the live broadcast, tune in here to listen to this compelling conversation that is at once concerning, but also hopeful in the may efforts underway to address our community’s housing and poverty problems.
Did you know? According to the Colorado Center for Law and Policy, 27% of Boulder County residents don’t earn enough to cover their basic needs – from housing and transportation to healthcare, childcare, and food. On the other hand, we boast a low unemployment rate hovering around just 2.1% (we’ve added 40K jobs in the last 10 years, countywide) – but only one dwelling unit per 3.5 jobs is being created, and the local cost of a single family home has doubled since 2005.
Expanding on the Economy & Housing section of the Community Foundation’s most recent TRENDS Report, yesterday’s broadcast of our regular monthly radio show on KGNU explored current solutions underway to address insufficient affordable housing and transportation options countywide; as well as what it means to live “cost-burdened” in Boulder County.
Hosted by Jim Williams, a foundation trustee, our guests today included Lori Call, Senior Director of Policy Programs, Boulder Chamber; Scott Holton, Co-Founder and Principal, Element Properties; and Danica Powell, representing the Boulder County Regional Housing Partnership and its Home Wanted campaign.
Lori is experienced in providing strategic direction on a broad range of local and regional policy interests, including the Chamber’s Boulder Together program, which helps Boulder businesses continue to access high quality workforce talent, while addressing mobility and housing pressures.
Scott has been immersed in Colorado’s real estate industry for more than two decades, and is well-versed in market-rate housing, affordable housing, and office and mixed-use development. Previously, Scott served as a commissioner of the Boulder Housing Authority.
Rounding out our panel of experts yesterday was Danica Powell, founder and owner of the Trestle Strategy Group, who has demonstrated a strong commitment to affordable housing solutions. On this radio show, Danica articulated the local housing affordability crisis, and described how Home Wanted calls on communities, businesses, and agencies throughout Boulder County to address those escalating housing needs.
If you missed the live broadcast, tune in here to listen to this compelling conversation that is at once concerning, but also hopeful in the may efforts underway to address our community’s housing and poverty problems.
