Housing Policies and Resources

It is often noted that discussions about public policy, economics, or quality of life in the NWCCOG Region eventually lead to housing. The issue is not new to our region. In fact, many of our jurisdictions have been on the cutting edge of public policy in the housing sector for decades.

There is tremendous expertise regarding public housing policy in mountain communities where innovation continues. At the behest of members, NWCCOG has issued the following reports dealing with housing:

2023 Workforce Housing Report
Regional Workforce Housing Report (an overview on communities housing)
Older Adult 2020 Housing Needs Assessment (highlighting the need to build with older adults in mind)
The Mountain Migration Report (how the influx of COVID escapees and remote workers is impacting the region)
2022 Statewide Outreach and Engagement Final Report (discussions and policy recommendations)
On The Brink (expring LIHTC Properties)

Other resources:

Tiny Homes

Go Downsize – The popular Tiny Home movement which includes 6 Colorado communities, Aspen mentioned as the only one in the mountains to have favorable policy for tiny homes.
More information on Tiny Homes is available on our Council Clipboard – Tiny Homes page.

Innovative Policies

Aspen-Pitkin County, being early adopters of deed restrictions, recently purchased trailer parks to preserve housing:

Summit County in passing a number of voter-adopted funding measures:

Summit County leaders consider asking for renewal of affordable housing tax – The Summit Daily 08.18.2021

Eagle, Pitkin and Summit Counties are driving Congress to pass innovative partnership legislation for USFS admin parcels:

Vail creating the InDeed program to purchase deed restrictions to protect existing stock, now replicated by Fraser and Mi Casa Avon. And of course, innumerable public and public-private projects funded by local governments, inclusionary zoning, short-term rental regulations, the list goes on and on.