Silverton, Colorado, is tucked away in the mountains in the southwest part of the state and has about 731 residents. But they want to grow, and to do so, they need more housing. Contrary to what you might think, building even just a few units of affordable housing is complicated and expensive for small communities. They often don’t meet the criteria for the big federal housing programs, like Housing Tax Credits. That’s why CHFA launched Small-scale Housing Technical Assistance, which provides training to communities like Silverton to overcome obstacles to building affordable housing. Ann Chase, director of the Silverton Housing Authority, explains how the program turned things around for the town. They are now adding nine townhomes of affordable housing, which will increase Silverton’s housing stock by 10 percent in just one building season. 

Mary Coddington, founder of Twelve Inc., is a consultant who helps communities like Silverton as part of the technical assistance program. Small towns face an uphill battle to build affordable housing, and Coddington says funding is the biggest challenge. She discusses how CHFA is creating new avenues for financing small-scale developments throughout the state in towns like Hayden and Dolores. 

Then, we’ll visit Mancos, just a few hours away, where Tami Graham and a team of passionate citizens banded together to save a historic printing press and the building it resides in. In the process, they took advantage of Small-scale Housing Technical Assistance, adding three units of affordable housing to Mancos’ downtown. Graham says she hopes to see more developments like this in Mancos. 

Resources from this episode:

• CHFA Small-scale Housing Technical Assistance
• Silverton Housing Authority
• Mancos Common Press

By accessing this podcast, I acknowledge that: views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) and that this podcast is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial or other advice. CHFA does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency, or suitability of the information provided and reference to any specific product or entity does not necessarily constitute CHFA’s endorsement or recommendation of it. The podcast may not be reproduced or redistributed without CHFA’s prior written consent and may be subject to the respective terms and policies of CHFA and the podcast hosting provider(s). CHFA is an Equal Opportunity Lender. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. For more information about CHFA, nondiscrimination, and other legal notices please visit chfainfo.com. 

Copyright ©2025 Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. All rights reserved. 

In Colorado, nearly 130,000 adults have an intellectual or developmental disability, or IDD. That’s an umbrella term for a group of conditions that includes Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy. Nearly three-quarters of people with IDD live with their families, and many of those caregivers are over the age of 60. Those caregivers often fear what will happen to their adult children with IDD when they need care themselves.  

Jeans Mobley is Executive Director of Trailhead Community, a housing development built according to the needs and wants of people with IDD. She walks us through the many features that make Trailhead a welcoming community for all. Then we hear from Desiree Kameka Galloway, CEO and Lead Consultant for Neuro-inclusive Housing Solutions and Director of Autism Housing Networks. She studies the housing needs of IDD adults and their families and works with developers on housing solutions to fit those needs. She discusses the considerations and challenges involved in building neuro-inclusive housing. 

The Grove at Cottonwood is a neuro-inclusive development underway in Broomfield. Kristin Hyser, Executive Director of Broomfield Housing Alliance, explains how IDD adults were invited to shape the Grove. Slated to open next fall, Hyser says she’s learned how centering these needs in the design process can provide benefits for anyone and everyone. 

Resource from this episode:

• Trailhead Community 
• About Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities 
• Neuro-inclusive Housing Solutions 
• Autism Housing Network 
• Broomfield Housing Alliance 
• The Grove at Cottonwood 

By accessing this podcast, I acknowledge that: views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) and that this podcast is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial or other advice. CHFA does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency, or suitability of the information provided and reference to any specific product or entity does not necessarily constitute CHFA’s endorsement or recommendation of it. The podcast may not be reproduced or redistributed without CHFA’s prior written consent and may be subject to the respective terms and policies of CHFA and the podcast hosting provider(s). CHFA is an Equal Opportunity Lender. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. For more information about CHFA, nondiscrimination, and other legal notices please visit chfainfo.com. 

Copyright ©2025 Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. All rights reserved. 

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD) is expanding its building for the first time in nearly 50 years. The arts institution has long uplifted Denver’s African American community and the Five Points neighborhood. Malik Robinson, CPRD’s President and CEO, is leading the expansion project, but it wouldn’t have been possible without a financing tool called New Markets Tax Credits.  

These credits, established by Congress in 2000, encourage private investors to put cash into specific communities – ones that are considered economically distressed. In Grand Junction, New Markets Tax Credits helped the Food Bank of the Rockies to build a much-needed new facility in 2022. One in eight Coloradans face food insecurity, and Western Slope director Sue Ellen Rodwick says the new facility helps the organization to respond to the current need. Without New Markets Tax Credits, this growth might not have been possible. More broadly, these investments spur economic development in Colorado by creating jobs, improving local infrastructure, and increasing support for local businesses.

Resources from this episode:

• Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Capital Campaign
• Arts and Culture National Economic Impact
• Arts and Culture Economic Impact on Metro Denver
• Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000
• CHFA - New Markets Tax Credits
• Food Bank of the Rockies
• Hunger Facts - Hunger Free Colorado
• Food Bank of the Rockies Metro Denver Distribution Center Capital Campaign

By accessing this podcast, I acknowledge that: views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) and that this podcast is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial or other advice. CHFA does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency, or suitability of the information provided and reference to any specific product or entity does not necessarily constitute CHFA’s endorsement or recommendation of it. The podcast may not be reproduced or redistributed without CHFA’s prior written consent and may be subject to the respective terms and policies of CHFA and the podcast hosting provider(s). CHFA is an Equal Opportunity Lender. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. For more information about CHFA, nondiscrimination, and other legal notices please visit chfainfo.com. 

Copyright ©2025 Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. All rights reserved. 

Until 2025, where you lived in Colorado determined whether or not you could build an accessory dwelling unit or ADU. But a new law sponsored by Senator Judy Amabile has changed that. Now, it’s easier than ever to build a little granny flat out back. When it comes to bridging Colorado’s housing supply gap, each and every ADU adds up. 

In Denver, Renee Martinez-Stone with the Denver Housing Authority has helped homeowners to build ADUs through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver. ADUs not only offset costs for homeowners, but also provide lower rents, allowing longtime residents to stay put. Jaime Gomez, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver, explains how these flexible units are disrupting displacement and becoming a valuable tool to address Colorado’s housing crisis.  

Resources from this episode:

• Colorado's New ADU Law
• Colorado's Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Toolkit
• West Denver Renaissance Collaborative (WDRC)
• Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver ADU Program
• ADUs Are Good for People and Places

By accessing this podcast, I acknowledge that: views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) and that this podcast is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial or other advice. CHFA does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency, or suitability of the information provided and reference to any specific product or entity does not necessarily constitute CHFA’s endorsement or recommendation of it. The podcast may not be reproduced or redistributed without CHFA’s prior written consent and may be subject to the respective terms and policies of CHFA and the podcast hosting provider(s). CHFA is an Equal Opportunity Lender. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. For more information about CHFA, nondiscrimination, and other legal notices please visit chfainfo.com. 

Copyright ©2025 Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. All rights reserved. 

The majority of people age 65 and older in the U.S. want to stay in their homes as long as possible, according to numerous AARP surveys over the last decade. It’s a phenomenon known as aging in place. However, like many Coloradans, older adults struggle with increased housing costs. But they face unique challenges, like chronic health conditions and fixed incomes.

Organizations like Brothers Redevelopment and Silver Key Senior Services are working to address these challenges. Jeff Martinez, founder and president of Brothers Redevelopment, discusses the importance of home improvements for older adults who stay in their homes, and Jason DeaBueno, CEO of Silver Key Senior Services, explores holistic approaches to keep older adults housed and financially solvent. For people who own their homes and have a room to spare, Sunshine Home Share Colorado pairs them with people looking for affordable rent. Founder and executive director Alison Joucovsky explains how home shares solve two housing needs at once without building anything—other than relationships. 

Resources from this episode:

• AARP Aging in Place Survey
• Brothers Redevelopment
• Paint-A-Thon
• Silver Key Senior Services
• Sunshine Home Share Colorado

By accessing this podcast, I acknowledge that: views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) and that this podcast is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial or other advice. CHFA does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency, or suitability of the information provided and reference to any specific product or entity does not necessarily constitute CHFA’s endorsement or recommendation of it. The podcast may not be reproduced or redistributed without CHFA’s prior written consent and may be subject to the respective terms and policies of CHFA and the podcast hosting provider(s). CHFA is an Equal Opportunity Lender. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. For more information about CHFA, nondiscrimination, and other legal notices please visit chfainfo.com. 

Copyright ©2025 Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. All rights reserved. 

When the land across the street from The Colorado Health Foundation went up for sale, instead of watching a new luxury apartment tower go up, the Foundation decided to create a “health oasis.” They envisioned a community with health amenities built in, but there was just one problem: the Foundation isn’t a housing developer. Neither was Solid Rock Christian Center in Colorado Springs. But they had undeveloped land right next door to their church and a need for housing in their community.  

Both organizations decided to take a leap and build affordable housing by forging creative partnerships. Maribel Cifuentes of the Colorado Health Foundation and longtime developer Susan Powers of Urban Ventures discuss how they are partnering to bring this “health oasis” to life, in the form of the Tapestry Block. Ben Anderson, pastor at Solid Rock Christian Center, explains how he built his own development corporation to get into the affordable housing business. That’s what made it possible to build the Village at Solid Rock, which opened in 2024. Now, he has plans for another housing development that will include a grocery store, child care and other amenities. These partnerships are just a few examples of how organizations are working together in innovative ways to address Colorado’s housing crisis.  

Resources from this episode:

• The Colorado Health Foundation
• The Tapestry Block
• Urban Ventures
• Solid Rock Christian Center
• Solid Rock Community Development Corporation
• The Village at Solid Rock
• Yes in God’s Backyard

By accessing this podcast, I acknowledge that: views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) and that this podcast is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial or other advice. CHFA does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency, or suitability of the information provided and reference to any specific product or entity does not necessarily constitute CHFA’s endorsement or recommendation of it. The podcast may not be reproduced or redistributed without CHFA’s prior written consent and may be subject to the respective terms and policies of CHFA and the podcast hosting provider(s). CHFA is an Equal Opportunity Lender. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. For more information about CHFA, nondiscrimination, and other legal notices please visit chfainfo.com. 

Copyright ©2025 Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. All rights reserved. 

Alex had her daughter, Tiara, when she was 17. Like many new parents, she struggled to balance child care with all of her other responsibilities, but she also didn’t have a car, and she was too young to sign a lease. Things changed when she found Florence Crittenton Services of Colorado, a high school with child care onsite. Desta Taye-Channell is president and CEO of Florence Crittenton, and she says the model meets the needs of two generations at once. 

More organizations are catching on to the idea that onsite child care lowers barriers for low-income parents and allows the whole family to thrive.  

One such place is Warren Village, an affordable housing development with child care and early education on the ground floor. CEO Ethan Hemming discusses the impact of this model and shares success stories. Pamela Harris, president and CEO of Mile High Early Learning, discusses the challenges and triumphs of supporting Colorado’s most vulnerable kids.  

Resources from this episode:

• The cost of child care in Colorado
• Florence Crittenton Services
• Warren Village
• Warren Village's Thrive by Five campaign
• Mile High Early Learning
• Under One Roof: Combining Affordable Homes with Child Care Solutions
• Federal Spending and Colorado Children: Understanding the Impact
• Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC)

By accessing this podcast, I acknowledge that: views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) and that this podcast is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial or other advice. CHFA does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency, or suitability of the information provided and reference to any specific product or entity does not necessarily constitute CHFA’s endorsement or recommendation of it. The podcast may not be reproduced or redistributed without CHFA’s prior written consent and may be subject to the respective terms and policies of CHFA and the podcast hosting provider(s). CHFA is an Equal Opportunity Lender. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. For more information about CHFA, nondiscrimination, and other legal notices please visit chfainfo.com. 

Copyright ©2025 Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. All rights reserved. 

The Buildout is back for a second season to explore more stories of people and innovative ideas driving affordable housing and community development in Colorado!  

We know that the cost of housing has increased dramatically in Colorado, but why? To kick off our new season, we’re diving deep into all the various factors that affect the cost of housing, with help from CHFA’s new Executive Director and CEO, Thomas Bryan, and Colorado State Demographer Kate Watkins. The state’s housing crisis has a ripple effect that touches almost every person and every community in Colorado, requiring a spectrum of solutions and a wealth of creativity. Enter Aaron Miripol, CEO of Urban Land Conservancy (ULC), who shares how ULC is working to transform the housing landscape in Denver—quite literally from the ground up. 

Resources from this episode: 

• CHFA Housing Affordability Gap White Paper and The Gap Map 
• CHFA Housing Continuum White Paper 
• Colorado State Demography Office Statistics 
• DRCOG Regional Housing Needs Assessment 
• Urban Land Conservancy 
• Mosaic Community Campus 

By accessing this podcast, I acknowledge that: views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) and that this podcast is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial or other advice. CHFA does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency, or suitability of the information provided and reference to any specific product or entity does not necessarily constitute CHFA’s endorsement or recommendation of it. The podcast may not be reproduced or redistributed without CHFA’s prior written consent and may be subject to the respective terms and policies of CHFA and the podcast hosting provider(s). CHFA is an Equal Opportunity Lender. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. For more information about CHFA, nondiscrimination, and other legal notices please visit chfainfo.com. 

Copyright ©2025 Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. All rights reserved. 

When it comes to housing, Coloradans have been feeling a crunch for a while. The reasons are many, and the challenges are not the same everywhere. But whether it's Kit Carson, Colorado Springs, or Frisco, housing doesn't exist in a void. Safe, affordable, and accessible housing is just one piece of a greater community. 

The other pieces that complete the puzzle are education, jobs, access to food, and healthcare. But when housing becomes too expensive, those other essentials also become harder to access. From far away, the housing crisis looks like one big problem. But when you get closer, you see that it's actually a series of problems that are all linked. 

The good news is for every problem there's a solver, and Colorado happens to be full of solvers. The Buildout, a podcast from Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, features the stories of the people driving affordable housing and community development in Colorado. Season two begins Thursday, September 4, 2025.

By accessing this podcast, I acknowledge that: views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) and that this podcast is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial or other advice. CHFA does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency, or suitability of the information provided and reference to any specific product or entity does not necessarily constitute CHFA’s endorsement or recommendation of it. The podcast may not be reproduced or redistributed without CHFA’s prior written consent and may be subject to the respective terms and policies of CHFA and the podcast hosting provider(s). CHFA is an Equal Opportunity Lender. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. For more information about CHFA, nondiscrimination, and other legal notices please visit chfainfo.com.

To address the shortage of affordable housing, Colorado must do more than build new units. That’s why this episode is focused on increased efforts to preserve the affordable housing that’s already standing. There are two kinds of affordable housing that the state is at risk of losing: housing that is built with government subsidies, and privately owned apartments that happen to have below market rents – often referred to as naturally occurring affordable housing.  

When it comes to the privately owned buildings, Lori Rosendahl of Foothills Regional Housing Authority explains what it takes to keep those rents low and those tenants housed. Hint: she says it’s a lot of “dialing for dollars.” As for the subsidized housing, Jennie Rodgers, Rocky Mountain VP for Enterprise Community Partners, discusses the tools nonprofits and governments can take advantage of to preserve affordability for decades to come. 

Resources from this episode: 

• Learn more about the Colorado Affordable Housing Preservation Network
• Learn more about Foothills Regional Housing’s work in Jefferson County 
• Read more about how Enterprise Community Partners is helping local housing authorities and nonprofits be proactive about preservation work 
• Check out the Colorado Affordable Housing Database Map 

By accessing this podcast, I acknowledge that: views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) and that this podcast is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial or other advice. CHFA does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency, or suitability of the information provided and reference to any specific product or entity does not necessarily constitute CHFA’s endorsement or recommendation of it. The podcast may not be reproduced or redistributed without CHFA’s prior written consent and may be subject to the respective terms and policies of CHFA and the podcast hosting provider(s). CHFA is an Equal Opportunity Lender. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. For more information about CHFA, nondiscrimination, and other legal notices please visit chfainfo.com. 

Copyright ©2025 Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. All rights reserved.