Can affluence and affordable housing coexist in Colorado’s Rockies?
August 17, 2023 by In Colorado’s Rocky Mountain region, the idyllic mountain towns experience two peak seasons: a summer brimming with outdoor activities like rafting, hiking, and biking, and a winter dominated by skiing. In between lies the “mud season,” a brief respite for the overworked service industry, burdened by high rents and understaffing. As tourism thrives, so do housing challenges, with median rents in places like Frisco soaring to $4,000, outpacing wages and pushing workers to long commutes. The pandemic exacerbated these issues as remote workers and investors flocked to the region, driving up housing costs and displacing locals. Efforts to control gentrification include deed restrictions and limited new developments, yet these measures face criticism for being inadequate. Despite initiatives like Colorado Governor Jared Polis’s housing legislation and local deed restriction programs, housing shortages persist, highlighted by Breckenridge’s resistance to dense multifamily buildings and the rise of conservation easements. This tension between preserving the area’s charm and addressing housing needs is evident in places like Steamboat Springs, where a generous land donation aimed at affordable housing underscores the ongoing struggle. The allure of mountain living remains strong, but the harsh reality of high costs and limited housing options continues to displace lower-income workers, underscoring the complex dynamics of growth and sustainability in these coveted destinations.