What does sustainable growth really look like in Colorado's mountain communities?

In this episode of Real Estate in the Rockies, Ashley Kappel and Jessica Chariton sit down with Joe Smith, Mountain Regional President of Collegiate Peaks Bank and Vice Chair of the Chaffee County Economic Development Corporation.

Joe shares a unique perspective shaped by nearly two decades in community banking, commercial lending, economic development, and public service. Together, they explore how rising interest rates, limited land, housing affordability, commercial lending, and thoughtful planning are shaping the future of Colorado mountain towns.

From why local banks still matter to why affordable housing is far more complicated than most people realize, this conversation offers valuable insight for homeowners, investors, business owners, and anyone who cares about the future of Colorado's mountain communities.

In This Episode

• Why Colorado's mountain communities continue to attract new residents
• Why Joe believes slower growth may actually be healthier
• The impact of higher interest rates on today's real estate market
• Why community banks operate differently than national lenders
• How commercial lending supports local economies
• The realities of financing development projects
• Why affordable housing is more complicated than it seems
• The importance of long-term planning instead of reactionary decisions
• The role economic development plays in sustaining mountain communities
• Why relationships still matter in community banking

Memorable Quotes

"Growth isn't the problem. Growth without planning is."

"Relationships are the key driver in community banking."

"We're never going to see growth like we did during COVID again."

"We're making it so cost prohibitive to build affordable housing."

Joe Smith serves as Executive Vice President and Mountain Regional President for Collegiate Peaks Bank, where he oversees commercial lending, market operations, and community banking throughout Colorado's mountain region.

A Salida native, Joe has spent nearly two decades helping finance local businesses, commercial developments, and residential projects across Chaffee County. In addition to his banking career, he serves as Vice Chair of the Chaffee County Economic Development Corporation and previously served on the Salida School Board from 2017 to 2025.

His deep understanding of banking, economic development, and community leadership provides a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing Colorado's mountain towns.

Joe Smith

Executive Vice President & Mountain Regional President

Collegiate Peaks Bank

Website:
 https://www.collegiatepeaksbank.com/

LinkedIn:
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-smith-86320878/

Real Estate in the Rockies is the podcast exploring Colorado mountain real estate, housing, land use, development, zoning, community growth, and mountain living in Salida, Buena Vista, Chaffee County, and communities across the Rockies.

Hosted by Colorado real estate attorney Ashley Kappel and local realtor Jessica Chariton, the show brings together developers, community leaders, housing experts, investors, and local voices to break down the conversations shaping mountain towns today.

Whether you’re buying property in Colorado, navigating real estate development, exploring affordable housing challenges, or simply interested in the future of mountain communities, Real Estate in the Rockies delivers real conversations and local insight from the people living and working in these communities every day.

Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for new episodes every week.

Connect with Jessica: https://jessicachariton.homesmartpreferredrealty.com/

Connect with Ashley: https://www.collegiatepeakslawandmediation.com/

Please share this podcast with anyone who is interested in Real Estate development, Community Conversations about living in Colorado Mountain Towns. 

Buying a home in Colorado's mountain communities is about more than finding the perfect property. Increasingly, it's also about whether you can insure it.

In this episode of Real Estate in the Rockies, Ashley Kappel and Jessica Chariton sit down with local State Farm agent Kate Woolman to discuss why homeowners insurance has changed so dramatically across Colorado.

From wildfire risk and rising rebuilding costs to second homes, vacant properties, replacement cost coverage, and new underwriting standards, Kate explains what buyers, sellers, and homeowners need to understand before they purchase—or renew—their next insurance policy.

Whether you're buying your first mountain home, investing in a second property, or simply wondering why your premiums keep increasing, this conversation provides practical guidance for navigating today's insurance landscape.

In This Episode

• Why homeowners insurance premiums continue rising across Colorado
• The hidden factors driving insurance costs beyond wildfires
• Why second homes and mountain properties are becoming harder to insure
• How insurance companies now inspect homes using technology
• Why drones and aerial imagery are changing underwriting
• Colorado's new insurance transparency laws
• Firewise communities and available premium discounts
• Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value explained
• Why an insurance binder isn't the same as final approval
• What buyers should know before closing on a home
• The future of insuring Colorado mountain properties

Memorable Quotes

"It's not one thing driving insurance costs, it's everything."

"Replacement cost doesn't mean unlimited coverage."

"We're trying to stay ahead of the game so Colorado doesn't become like Florida."

"Everything is figureoutable."

Kate Woolman is the owner of the Kate Woolman State Farm Insurance Agency in Salida, Colorado.

Originally from Minnesota, Kate has worked in the insurance industry for more than a decade. After serving clients in Colorado Springs, she opened her own State Farm agency in Salida in 2021, where she now helps homeowners, business owners, and families throughout Chaffee County and surrounding mountain communities navigate today's changing insurance landscape.

Known for her educational approach and strong relationships within the community, Kate works closely with buyers, sellers, and local Realtors to help clients better understand homeowners insurance, wildfire risk, and property protection.

Kate Woolman State Farm Insurance

Website:
 http://www.katewoolmaninsurance.com

Real Estate in the Rockies is the podcast exploring Colorado mountain real estate, housing, land use, development, zoning, community growth, and mountain living in Salida, Buena Vista, Chaffee County, and communities across the Rockies.

Hosted by Colorado real estate attorney Ashley Kappel and local realtor Jessica Chariton, the show brings together developers, community leaders, housing experts, investors, and local voices to break down the conversations shaping mountain towns today.

Whether you’re buying property in Colorado, navigating real estate development, exploring affordable housing challenges, or simply interested in the future of mountain communities, Real Estate in the Rockies delivers real conversations and local insight from the people living and working in these communities every day.

Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for new episodes every week.

Connect with Jessica: https://jessicachariton.homesmartpreferredrealty.com/

Connect with Ashley: https://www.collegiatepeakslawandmediation.com/

Please share this podcast with anyone who is interested in Real Estate development, Community Conversations about living in Colorado Mountain Towns. 

If you own property in a Colorado mountain community, there's a good chance your water comes from a private well. But how much do you really know about what's in that water, where it comes from, or how future development could impact it?

In this episode of Real Estate in the Rockies, Ashley Kappel and Jessica Chariton sit down with geochemist Dr. Devin Castendyk to explore groundwater, private wells, water quality, mining history, and what property owners should know about protecting one of Colorado's most valuable resources.

Devin explains:

• how aquifers actually work
• what well owners should be testing for
• the difference between water rights and water availability
• how drought and development affect groundwater
• Colorado's mining legacy
• water quality concerns around historic mine sites
• and why future growth decisions should include water quality discussions

Whether you own a well, are considering purchasing rural property, or simply care about the future of Colorado mountain communities, this conversation offers practical insights and valuable perspective.

In This Episode

• Why private well owners should test their water
• The difference between city water and well water
• Common contaminants found in groundwater
• Understanding aquifers and groundwater systems
• Why water rights don't guarantee water supply
• How drought impacts private wells
• The relationship between development and groundwater
• Historic mining and Colorado's environmental legacy
• Mine tailings, waste rock, and water quality
• Modern mining and environmental improvements
• What local governments should consider when approving development
• Protecting Colorado's water resources for future generations

Memorable Quotes

"Having the right to a well doesn't guarantee there will be water."

"Groundwater changes very slowly. Surface water changes very quickly."

"If you're on a private well, testing is your responsibility."

"We should be discussing both water quantity and water quality when evaluating development."

Dr. Devin Castendyk is a Principal Geochemist with SRK Consulting in Denver, Colorado. He holds Bachelor and Master degrees in Geology and a PhD in Environmental Science.

From 2005 to 2015, Devin served as an Associate Professor of Water Resources at the State University of New York at Oneonta, where he taught groundwater hydrogeology, water chemistry, and water resources management.

Today, he works with the mining industry to help minimize impacts on water quality. Devin previously served on the Chaffee County Planning and Zoning Commission and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA).

Guest Links

SRK Consulting:
 https://www.srk.com/en/contact-us/denver

Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA)

Real Estate in the Rockies is the podcast exploring Colorado mountain real estate, housing, land use, development, zoning, community growth, and mountain living in Salida, Buena Vista, Chaffee County, and communities across the Rockies.

Hosted by Colorado real estate attorney Ashley Kappel and local realtor Jessica Chariton, the show brings together developers, community leaders, housing experts, investors, and local voices to break down the conversations shaping mountain towns today.

Whether you’re buying property in Colorado, navigating real estate development, exploring affordable housing challenges, or simply interested in the future of mountain communities, Real Estate in the Rockies delivers real conversations and local insight from the people living and working in these communities every day.

Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for new episodes every week.

Connect with Jessica: https://jessicachariton.homesmartpreferredrealty.com/

Connect with Ashley: https://www.collegiatepeakslawandmediation.com/

Please share this podcast with anyone who is interested in Real Estate development, Community Conversations about living in Colorado Mountain Towns. 

What really happens at the Colorado Capitol, and how do legislative decisions impact homeowners, renters, Realtors, and Colorado mountain communities?

In this episode of Real Estate in the Rockies, Ashley Kappel and Jessica Chariton sit down with Brian Tanner, Vice President of Public Policy for the Colorado Association of Realtors, to pull back the curtain on Colorado's legislative process and explore the policies shaping housing across the state.

Brian oversees government affairs, lobbying efforts, political advocacy, ballot initiatives, and policy strategy for Colorado Realtors. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in public policy and political strategy, he helps translate real-world housing challenges into meaningful conversations with lawmakers.

Together, they discuss:

• Colorado's housing shortage
• property rights
• housing affordability
• workforce housing
• vacancy taxes
• land use policies
• insurance challenges
• wildfire mitigation requirements
• the role of Realtors in public policy
• and why local elections matter more than many people realize

This episode offers a practical look at how legislation affects everyday property owners and why Colorado's future housing challenges will require thoughtful collaboration across political lines.

In This Episode

• Why lobbyists serve as "institutional memory" in government
• The biggest housing issues discussed during the 2026 legislative session
• How unintended consequences impact housing policy
• Why Colorado faces a housing shortage of more than 100,000 units
• The debate around vacancy taxes and property rights
• Workforce housing challenges in Colorado mountain towns
• Why insurance availability may be the biggest housing issue facing Colorado
• The growing impact of wildfire mitigation requirements
• How post-closing occupancy agreements affect buyers and sellers
• Why getting to know candidates before elections matters

Memorable Quotes

"Lobbyists are institutional memory."

"We understand your intent, but the real-world application may produce the opposite result."

"Insurance keeps me up at night."

"Politics trumps policy every single time."

"The best time to meet your friends is before you need them."

Guest Information

Brian Tanner
 Vice President of Public Policy
 Colorado Association of Realtors

Website: http://www.coloradorealtors.com

Real Estate in the Rockies is the podcast exploring Colorado mountain real estate, housing, land use, development, zoning, community growth, and mountain living in Salida, Buena Vista, Chaffee County, and communities across the Rockies.

Hosted by Colorado real estate attorney Ashley Kappel and local realtor Jessica Chariton, the show brings together developers, community leaders, housing experts, investors, and local voices to break down the conversations shaping mountain towns today.

Whether you’re buying property in Colorado, navigating real estate development, exploring affordable housing challenges, or simply interested in the future of mountain communities, Real Estate in the Rockies delivers real conversations and local insight from the people living and working in these communities every day.

Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for new episodes every week.

Connect with Jessica: https://jessicachariton.homesmartpreferredrealty.com/

Connect with Ashley: https://www.collegiatepeakslawandmediation.com/

Please share this podcast with anyone who is interested in Real Estate development, Community Conversations about living in Colorado Mountain Towns. 

Short-term rentals have become one of the most emotional and controversial conversations happening across Colorado mountain towns.

But what happens when the conversation moves beyond politics and focuses on people, community, balance, and long-term planning?

In this episode of Real Estate in the Rockies, Ashley Kappel and Jessica Chariton sit down with Lisa and Summer, the founders of Rainbow Rentals, a Salida-based short-term rental management company focused on thoughtful hospitality, community integration, and helping guests truly “Live Like a Local.”

Together, they explore:

• short-term rental policies
• workforce housing
• tourism economics
• mountain town affordability
• community planning
• second home ownership
• flexible property use
• proactive vs reactive policy
• and the future of Colorado mountain communities

Lisa and Summer bring a nuanced perspective to a conversation that often becomes polarized. As both community members and property managers, they discuss the real challenges mountain towns face while also exploring how thoughtful short-term rental management can support local economies, homeowners, and tourism in responsible ways.

This episode also dives into:

• how changing regulations impact homeowners
• why flexibility matters for mountain town investors
• the hidden realities of managing short-term rentals
• balancing tourism with community preservation
• and how mountain towns can avoid becoming “empty shells” of themselves

Most importantly, this conversation highlights the importance of proactive planning and creating policies that support both residents and the long-term sustainability of Colorado mountain towns.

In This Episode

• Why mountain towns need proactive housing strategies
• The difference between reactive and intentional policy
• How short-term rentals impact local economies
• Why flexibility matters for second homeowners
• The hidden work behind property management
• What guests really want from mountain town travel
• Why “Live Like a Local” matters
• How tourism supports small business ecosystems
• The tension between affordability and preservation
• Creative housing solutions for local residents

Memorable Quotes

“We need to decide what we want to be in 20 years.”

“Growth becomes less controversial when people understand the plan.”

“We’re trying to showcase the special sauce of Salida.”

“It’s not about penalizing outsiders. It’s about proactively helping residents.”

Guest Info

Rainbow Rentals
 Website: rainbowrental.net
Instagram: @staywithrainbowrentals

Real Estate in the Rockies is the podcast exploring Colorado mountain real estate, housing, land use, development, zoning, community growth, and mountain living in Salida, Buena Vista, Chaffee County, and communities across the Rockies.

Hosted by Colorado real estate attorney Ashley Kappel and local realtor Jessica Chariton, the show brings together developers, community leaders, housing experts, investors, and local voices to break down the conversations shaping mountain towns today.

Whether you’re buying property in Colorado, navigating real estate development, exploring affordable housing challenges, or simply interested in the future of mountain communities, Real Estate in the Rockies delivers real conversations and local insight from the people living and working in these communities every day.

Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for new episodes every week.

Connect with Jessica: https://jessicachariton.homesmartpreferredrealty.com/

Connect with Ashley: https://www.collegiatepeakslawandmediation.com/

Please share this podcast with anyone who is interested in Real Estate development, Community Conversations about living in Colorado Mountain Towns. 

Colorado mountain towns are changing rapidly, and the conversations around growth, housing, affordability, and community identity are becoming more complicated than ever.

In this episode of Real Estate in the Rockies, Ashley Kappel and Jessica Chariton sit down with top Colorado Realtor and business leader Treasure Davis for a thoughtful and candid conversation about what’s happening across Colorado mountain communities and why so many residents feel tension around growth and change.

Treasure Davis is ranked in the top 1% of Realtors nationally and is the founder of the Treasure Davis Team at eXp Realty, Zillow’s #1 Team in Colorado Springs. Her team has sold more than 3,500 homes and built a reputation around leadership, customer service, and community impact.

But this episode goes far beyond real estate transactions.

Together, Ashley, Jessica, and Treasure explore:

•  Balancing Growth and Affordability in Colorado’s Real Estate Market 
• Colorado mountain town growth
• housing affordability
• workforce housing
• tourism and second homes
• property rights
• customer service
• leadership transparency
• community planning
• mental health and housing stability
• and what it means to build thriving communities in Colorado

This conversation is nuanced, honest, and deeply relevant for anyone who lives in, works in, invests in, or loves Colorado mountain towns.

In This Episode

• Why Colorado mountain towns need long-term strategic planning
• The tension between preserving community identity and welcoming growth
• Why poor planning creates conflict around development
• What’s driving affordability challenges in Colorado
• Why customer service is declining across industries
• How Realtors can better serve communities
• The role mental health plays in housing stability
• Why collaboration matters more than competition
• What creates long-term success in real estate and business
• Why honest conversations matter in growing communities

Memorable Quotes

“Growth is good in the context of proper planning without agendas behind it.”

“It was never about you anyway.”

“Customer service is becoming the exception, not the rule.”

“Home is a place where people feel deeply loved.”

Connect with Treasure Davis

Website: http://www.coloradorealtors.com
Instagram: @treasuredavisrealtor

Real Estate in the Rockies is the podcast exploring Colorado mountain real estate, housing, land use, development, zoning, community growth, and mountain living in Salida, Buena Vista, Chaffee County, and communities across the Rockies.

Hosted by Colorado real estate attorney Ashley Kappel and local realtor Jessica Chariton, the show brings together developers, community leaders, housing experts, investors, and local voices to break down the conversations shaping mountain towns today.

Whether you’re buying property in Colorado, navigating real estate development, exploring affordable housing challenges, or simply interested in the future of mountain communities, Real Estate in the Rockies delivers real conversations and local insight from the people living and working in these communities every day.

Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for new episodes every week.

Connect with Jessica: https://jessicachariton.homesmartpreferredrealty.com/

Connect with Ashley: https://www.collegiatepeakslawandmediation.com/

Please share this podcast with anyone who is interested in Real Estate development, Community Conversations about living in Colorado Mountain Towns. 

Wildfire season in Colorado mountain towns is no longer a distant possibility, it is something communities must actively prepare for. In this episode of Real Estate in the Rockies, Ashley Kappel and Jessica Chariton sit down with Chaffee County Public Health Director Andrea Carlstrom to discuss wildfire preparedness, evacuation planning, emergency communication systems, air quality concerns, and what residents can do right now to protect their homes, families, pets, and communities.

Andrea shares lessons learned from the Decker Fire, explains how emergency response systems work behind the scenes, and offers practical advice for creating evacuation plans, building a go kit, protecting older adults and vulnerable neighbors, and navigating disaster recovery after the immediate emergency is over.

This conversation is essential listening for anyone living in Colorado mountain communities, rural areas, or wildfire-prone regions.

In This Episode:

• Why wildfire preparedness matters now more than ever
• What Chaffee County is doing behind the scenes to prepare
• How the emergency response network actually works
• What to include in a wildfire go kit
• Why evacuation plans need backup plans
• The importance of Everbridge emergency alerts
• How wildfire smoke impacts mountain communities
• Mistakes people make during evacuations
• How neighbors can support vulnerable residents
• What disaster recovery looks like after reentry
• Why community resilience matters in mountain towns

Key Takeaway:

“The time to plan and prepare is not during a disaster.” — Andrea Carlstrom

Andrea Carlstrom has served as the Director of Chaffee County Public Health for more than a decade, overseeing programs focused on public health, emergency preparedness, behavioral health, chronic disease prevention, aging well initiatives, and community resilience. Throughout her career, she has worked across multiple healthcare settings including behavioral health, pharmacy, and hospital administration. Andrea has played a key leadership role in emergency preparedness and disaster response efforts throughout Chaffee County, including wildfire response, public health coordination, and community resilience planning.

Website: http://www.chaffeecounty.org

Link to Everbridge Emergency App: https://chaffeecounty.org/departments/sheriff/communications/everbridge.php 

FEMA Checklist for Disaster Preparedness

https://www.fema.gov/pdf/areyouready/appendix_b.pdf

Real Estate in the Rockies is the podcast exploring Colorado mountain real estate, housing, land use, development, zoning, community growth, and mountain living in Salida, Buena Vista, Chaffee County, and communities across the Rockies.

Hosted by Colorado real estate attorney Ashley Kappel and local realtor Jessica Chariton, the show brings together developers, community leaders, housing experts, investors, and local voices to break down the conversations shaping mountain towns today.

Whether you’re buying property in Colorado, navigating real estate development, exploring affordable housing challenges, or simply interested in the future of mountain communities, Real Estate in the Rockies delivers real conversations and local insight from the people living and working in these communities every day.

Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for new episodes every week.

Connect with Jessica: https://jessicachariton.homesmartpreferredrealty.com/

Connect with Ashley: https://www.collegiatepeakslawandmediation.com/

Please share this podcast with anyone who is interested in Real Estate development, Community Conversations about living in Colorado Mountain Towns. 

What does it really take to develop property in a Colorado mountain town, and why do some projects succeed while others never get off the ground?

In this episode of Real Estate in the Rockies, Ashley Kappel and Jessica Chariton sit down with longtime Salida resident, realtor, and developer Walt Harder to unpack the realities of real estate development in mountain communities.

With over 20 years of experience in both real estate and development, Walt shares what most people do not see behind the scenes, from navigating land use and zoning to identifying opportunities and managing risk.

This conversation goes beyond surface-level real estate talk and dives into how development actually works in places like Salida and across Colorado.

In this episode, you will learn:

• What real estate development looks like in mountain towns like Salida
• Why development projects are more complex than most people realize
• How zoning, land use, and local regulations impact what can be built
• What makes a property a strong development opportunity
• Why off-market properties can be some of the best opportunities
• The biggest risks and challenges developers face in Colorado

Ashley helps break down the legal and land use considerations involved in development. Jessica brings insight into how development connects to the local real estate market and community demand.

Walt brings decades of hands-on experience, offering a real-world perspective on what it takes to successfully navigate development in mountain communities.

Walt Harder is the owner and managing broker of Harder Real Estate and Development, LLC, and has been a Salida resident for over 20 years. Since moving to Salida in 2000, Walt has built a career that spans residential, commercial, industrial, and retail development across Colorado and beyond. With a deep understanding of both real estate and land development, he brings a unique perspective to identifying opportunities and navigating complex projects. Walt is also the owner of Timber Creek Ranch, reflecting his passion for land, space, and the Colorado lifestyle.

Links:
 Website: http://hred.co
Facebook: Walt Harder, Harder Real Estate and Development

Real Estate in the Rockies is the podcast exploring Colorado mountain real estate, housing, land use, development, zoning, community growth, and mountain living in Salida, Buena Vista, Chaffee County, and communities across the Rockies.

Hosted by Colorado real estate attorney Ashley Kappel and local realtor Jessica Chariton, the show brings together developers, community leaders, housing experts, investors, and local voices to break down the conversations shaping mountain towns today.

Whether you’re buying property in Colorado, navigating real estate development, exploring affordable housing challenges, or simply interested in the future of mountain communities, Real Estate in the Rockies delivers real conversations and local insight from the people living and working in these communities every day.

Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for new episodes every week.

Connect with Jessica: https://jessicachariton.homesmartpreferredrealty.com/

Connect with Ashley: https://www.collegiatepeakslawandmediation.com/

Please share this podcast with anyone who is interested in Real Estate development, Community Conversations about living in Colorado Mountain Towns. 

What happens when a community does not have enough senior housing, assisted living, or memory care options?

In this episode of Real Estate in the Rockies, Ashley Kappel and Jessica Chariton sit down with local leaders Marilyn Bouldin and Andi Bruno to discuss the growing need for senior housing in Salida and across Colorado mountain towns.

As populations age and housing options remain limited, communities are facing difficult questions about how to support residents who want to stay but may not have the care options they need.

This conversation explores how real estate, healthcare, and community planning intersect, and why this issue impacts more than just seniors.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why senior housing and assisted living are critical in mountain communities
• The challenges of creating memory care and aging support locally
• What happens when residents are forced to leave their community for care
• How nonprofit efforts like Places to Age are working toward solutions
• Why this issue affects families, housing, and the broader community

Ashley helps connect the legal and planning considerations around housing and care facilities. Jessica brings insight into how housing limitations impact availability and demand in the local market.

Marilyn and Andi provide firsthand perspective on the needs within the community and the efforts underway to address them.

Marilyn Bouldin
Marilyn Bouldin is a retired registered nurse and former Director of Chaffee County Public Health. She has served on the board of Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center and is a cofounder of Chaffee County Women Who Care. Marilyn currently serves as Vice Chair of the board for Places to Age, a nonprofit focused on bringing assisted living and memory care to the community.

Links:
 Website: http://www.placestoage.org
Facebook: Places to Age

Andi Bruno
 Andi Bruno is a Colorado native and retired business owner with a background in Silicon Valley startups. She founded her own business in 2003 and successfully exited in 2014. Since returning to Colorado, she has been actively involved in community efforts and previously served as Chair of Places to Age, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding senior housing and care options in Chaffee County.

Links:
 Website: http://www.placestoage.org

Real Estate in the Rockies is the podcast exploring Colorado mountain real estate, housing, land use, development, zoning, community growth, and mountain living in Salida, Buena Vista, Chaffee County, and communities across the Rockies.

Hosted by Colorado real estate attorney Ashley Kappel and local realtor Jessica Chariton, the show brings together developers, community leaders, housing experts, investors, and local voices to break down the conversations shaping mountain towns today.

Whether you’re buying property in Colorado, navigating real estate development, exploring affordable housing challenges, or simply interested in the future of mountain communities, Real Estate in the Rockies delivers real conversations and local insight from the people living and working in these communities every day.

Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for new episodes every week.

Connect with Jessica: https://jessicachariton.homesmartpreferredrealty.com/

Connect with Ashley: https://www.collegiatepeakslawandmediation.com/

Please share this podcast with anyone who is interested in Real Estate development, Community Conversations about living in Colorado Mountain Towns. 

Can affordable housing actually work in a Colorado mountain town, or is it financially impossible without major tradeoffs?

In this episode of Real Estate in the Rockies, Ashley Kappel and Jessica Chariton sit down with Paul Andrews, developer of The Crossing in Buena Vista, a community designed to be 50% affordable housing.

Paul brings decades of high-level real estate and financial experience to this conversation and shares what it really took to bring this project to life. From infrastructure costs and financing to deed restrictions and community pushback, this episode breaks down the real challenges behind building housing that people can actually afford.

This is not theory. It is a real-world look at what it takes to solve one of the biggest issues facing mountain communities.

In this episode, you will learn:

• What a 50% affordable housing model looks like in Buena Vista
• Why infrastructure and financing are the biggest barriers to affordability
• How grants, partnerships, and timing made this project possible
• What deed restrictions are and how they preserve long-term affordability
• Why smaller homes and creative design are key to lowering costs
• The risks involved, including putting personal finances on the line
• Whether this model can realistically be replicated in other mountain towns

Ashley brings a legal lens to zoning, deed restrictions, and policy considerations. Jessica connects the conversation to real market conditions and what buyers are experiencing on the ground.

Paul shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a community from the ground up, including the vision, the risk, and why this work matters for the future of Buena Vista and beyond.

Paul Andrews is the developer behind The Crossing in Buena Vista, a community designed to provide a mix of affordable and market-rate housing in a mountain town setting. Originally from England, Paul has an extensive background in finance and real estate, including leadership roles as CFO at Madison Marquette, Vail Resorts Development Company, and EverWest Real Estate Investors.

Over his career, he has completed more than $2 billion in real estate financings and helped grow EverWest into a $5 billion institutional real estate platform. After retiring in 2022, Paul shifted his full focus to The Crossing and other Colorado mountain real estate projects, bringing his experience, capital, and long-term vision to addressing housing challenges in communities like Buena Vista.

Links:
Website: http://www.thecrossingbv.com
Instagram: @thecrossingbv
Facebook: The Crossing BV
LinkedIn: The Crossing BV

Real Estate in the Rockies is the podcast exploring Colorado mountain real estate, housing, land use, development, zoning, community growth, and mountain living in Salida, Buena Vista, Chaffee County, and communities across the Rockies.

Hosted by Colorado real estate attorney Ashley Kappel and local realtor Jessica Chariton, the show brings together developers, community leaders, housing experts, investors, and local voices to break down the conversations shaping mountain towns today.

Whether you’re buying property in Colorado, navigating real estate development, exploring affordable housing challenges, or simply interested in the future of mountain communities, Real Estate in the Rockies delivers real conversations and local insight from the people living and working in these communities every day.

Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for new episodes every week.

Connect with Jessica: https://jessicachariton.homesmartpreferredrealty.com/

Connect with Ashley: https://www.collegiatepeakslawandmediation.com/

Please share this podcast with anyone who is interested in Real Estate development, Community Conversations about living in Colorado Mountain Towns.