When firefighters get the call, they need to act fast. It takes just minutes for the flames to take over and the plumes of thick, black smoke to signal that someone鈥檚 home has been a casualty of fire.
But when your 鈥渓ocal鈥� first responders are hours away, how many homes are in jeopardy when a fire can spread through a community in the blink of an eye? The recent fire in Teller County is an ominous, all-to-familiar reality that the first responders keeping us safe can’t afford to live in the communities they protect.
The current housing shortage and affordability crisis is tying the hands of local electeds to respond when tragedy strikes.
A bill making its way through the Senate, , is a first-of-its-kind Colorado solution that will jumpstart the building of homes that everyone can afford so our first responders can actually respond instead of sitting in traffic.
Adams and Teller Counties don鈥檛 have a lot in common, yet, the magnitude of our housing crisis is so severe that we universally feel the pain. People can no longer afford to live and work in our communities because there are not enough homes being built, and the available homes are too expensive.
Colorado is nearly half a million homes short of what is needed for a healthy housing market. Simply put, we鈥檝e added more jobs and babies than homes. This drives up the cost to rent or buy and drives out the local workforce that keeps our communities safe and prospering. This path is unsustainable, and we need drastic solutions to change course.
Research proves that duplexes and townhomes are some of the most affordable homes to rent and buy. They also ensure more people can put a roof over their heads by utilizing existing development more efficiently. Even though these homes fit the needs and budgets of more people, they are prohibited from being built in a majority of communities across the state. Senate Bill 213 will allow communities to build more types of homes while maintaining critical oversight at the municipal level. It requires that we work together to solve this problem instead of going at it alone.
Some local officials have criticized this policy as a grab at local control.
But from where we sit, locals gain power with this new plan. Not a single authority has been taken away. It抖阴ap past time to try something new. In fact, maintaining the status quo strips us of our ability to adequately plan for new growth and job centers, build the homes our residents need, cut down on frivolous infrastructure costs, maintain an adequate system of first responders, prevent school closures, and sustain the character of our communities. In fighting to 鈥渕aintain鈥� the illusion of local control, we end up with less authority to meet the needs of our residents.
Colorado voters just passed Proposition 123, a dedicated funding source for affordable housing. It抖阴ap crucial that we invest these taxpayer dollars in a way that maximizes the impact. But the state cannot tell you what types of homes and at what budget levels need to be built where. SB-213 ensures these dollars are used effectively.
Colorado鈥檚 housing crisis cannot be solved city by city or county by county. It抖阴ap a statewide issue that needs statewide strategic planning and solutions.
Removing barriers that prevent the most affordable types of homes from being built will mean your kids or grandkids can stay in the community they grew up in, seniors can afford a smaller, safer home that better meets their needs, and the people that save our lives can live in the community they serve.
We have the data and research to change course, and it抖阴ap time for local leaders to work together. Whether you鈥檙e living in a metro area or in our beautiful mountains, SB23-213 is a forward-thinking solution to a more affordable future.
Eva Henry is a county commissioner in Adams County and previously dedicated her career to advocating for working families. Dan Williams is the Teller County Commission Chair. He is a recognized community and veteran leader in Teller County.
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