By Shannon Lukens.

Results from the recent Community Feedback Survey on Housing from Yampa Valley Housing Authority have been released.

Some of the highlights are that most respondents (82.9%) say affordable housing in the community is ‘poor’ or ‘very poor.’

The lack of affordable housing is impacting local business with 72 percent of employers saying they are having difficulties recruiting and retaining employees.

The survey said there is strong community support (83.2%) for providing affordable housing options to support local economic growth and most agreed that government entities should subsidize housing to make sure it is affordable.

YVHA writes in the press release, “Results will be shared with city staff, consultants, and the broader community to ensure transparent communication and incorporate public feedback into future housing strategies.”

 

There will also be a lottery system for housing allocation at The Cottonwoods at Mid Valley.

 

Press Release from Yampa Valley Housing Authority; July 30, 2024.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 30, 2024

 

Yampa Valley Housing Authority (YVHA) Releases Results of Community Survey on Housing Issues

 

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO — The Yampa Valley Housing Authority (YVHA) released the results of its recent community survey, aimed at gathering insights into local housing issues and gauging public opinion on potential solutions. The survey, conducted through various platforms, received responses from 294 residents, with a significant portion residing in Steamboat Springs and surrounding areas. The full presentation of the results can be found at the link here.

“The results of the survey clearly show that we still have an affordable housing crisis in Steamboat Springs, and it is linked to businesses finding it difficult to recruit and retain employees. We appreciate the feedback we got on the Brown Ranch property, and we will be sharing these results with the City Council, City staff, and their new consultant, Community Builders. The city of Steamboat Springs is taking the lead on gauging what type of development would be possible on the land we own in West Steamboat, and we wholeheartedly support their approach.  The survey also gave us valuable information that the YVHA Board will use to develop a lottery system policy for the condos we will be selling at our newest development, The Cottonwoods at Mid Valley, which is slated for delivery in early 2026. We look forward to more community feedback moving ahead” said Jason Peasley, Executive Director, YVHA.

Key Findings:

1. Housing Affordability Crisis: Most respondents (82.9%) rated the state of affordable housing in the community as “poor” or “very poor.” Only 16.7% considered it “fair” or better. Notably, 32.76% of respondents reported spending more than 30% of their income on housing, a benchmark for affordability.
2. Employment and Housing: The lack of affordable housing is impacting local businesses, with 72 employers reporting difficulties in recruiting and retaining employees. This issue is exacerbated by a shortage of housing options that match the financial means of the workforce.
3. Community Values and Priorities:There is strong community support (83.2%) for providing affordable housing options to support local economic growth. Additionally, 71.3% agree that government entities should subsidize housing to ensure affordability for residents.
4. Support for Youth Housing Opportunities: The survey revealed that 73.8% of respondents believe that young people, particularly those raised in the area, should have the opportunity to rent or purchase homes locally as they enter adulthood.
5. Lottery for Housing Allocation: Several Colorado Housing Authorities allocate housing using a lottery system.  YVHA asked survey questions to express opinions on using a weighted lottery system to allocate affordable housing. Options for a weighted lottery include employment with a local employer, length of residency, and the nature of employment. Education, medical, and law enforcement sectors were highlighted as priority employment types for housing consideration. The YVHA board will use this information as one input before deciding on a lottery policy.
6. Community Input on Development: There was strong feedback on a future Brown Ranch development, emphasizing the need for diverse housing types, walkable neighborhoods, and community services, There was mixed responses on the number of homes that should be built at the Brown Ranch property in the future, 37.1% stated that the numbers of homes built in the next 5-6 years should meet the demand, 19.4% respondents want 100-399 homes, 10.5% respondents said 400-499 homes and 6.5% respondents said 500-600 homes were appropriate for the next 5-6 years. Some of the comments also revealed the frustration with short-term rentals; wage stagnation vs. the cost of living; the need for density to make homes affordable, and the concerns that more dense housing could impact community character.

Next Steps:

• Policy Development: YVHA will utilize these survey results to inform policy decisions, including the development of a lottery system for housing allocation at The Cottonwoods at Mid Valley.
• Public Engagement: Results will be shared with city staff, consultants, and the broader community to ensure transparent communication and incorporate public feedback into future housing strategies.
• Ongoing Collaboration:YVHA will continue to engage with local stakeholders to address the housing crisis and develop solutions that meet the diverse needs of the community.