The Buildout

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. 

More and more people in Colorado’s resort and rural towns fall into what’s called “the missing middle.” People who have good jobs, earning decent wages, but who are nonetheless struggling to afford housing where they live. They often earn too much to qualify for federal affordable rental housing programs, which limit eligibility to those whose incomes fall under a certain threshold. On the flip side, they are cost burdened by increasingly expensive and scarce housing.  

Colorado is leading the charge to develop programs to serve this population, including CHFA’s Middle-income Access Program (MIAP) and the Middle-income Housing Tax Credit (MIHTC). In this episode, we hear from people working to take advantage of these resources to build and preserve middle-income housing across Colorado: Kimball Crangle, Colorado Market President for Gorman and Company, a national developer of affordable housing; Summit County Commissioner Tamara Pogue; and Steve Cordova, executive director of Las Animas Bent County Housing Authority and Total Concept, a housing and community development corporation serving rural Coloradans.

Resources from this episode: 

• Read more about Colorado’s Middle-income Housing Tax Credit 
• Learn about CHFA’s Middle-income Access program 
• Visit Gorman and Company’s Colorado Market Webpage 
• Learn more about Total Concept 

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 greater Denver, American Indians and Alaska Natives experience disparities in all forms of housing, according to a 2022 assessment. On average, they are four times more likely to experience homelessness and face high rates of rental housing discrimination. That, on top of centuries of forced migration and harmful federal policies, has led to immense housing inequities. 

This is why groups like Native American Housing Circle are so essential. The Native-led grassroots coalition of provider organizations connects Denver’s incredibly diverse Native population with vital resources. It’s even part of an effort to build an affordable housing development for Native people in Denver, one of the first of its kind in metro Denver. 

In this episode of The Buildout, we meet Lucille Echohawk, co-founder of the Native American Housing Circle, and learn about the collaborative efforts they’ve employed to combat housing instability among Native people in the metro. 

Resources from this episode: 

• Learn more about Native American Housing Circle  
• Read the 2022 assessment on Denver Native American housing needs 
• Watch RMPBS’ documentary "Urban Rez" 
• Learn more about Brothers Redevelopment, Inc. and Colorado Housing Connects 
• Listen to American Public Media’s documentary “Uprooted,” about urban relocation 
• Watch “Virtual Moving History – Bernie Whitebear: A Modern Warrior” 

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 Fair Housing Act, passed in 1968, outlawed housing discrimination. However, more than 50 years later, the homeownership rate between white and Black Americans remains nearly unchanged. 

On top of that, communities that faced discriminatory policies in the past still feel the impacts today. According to research from the University of California, Berkeley, people living in historically redlined neighborhoods are highly vulnerable to air, water, and noise pollutants as well as other health problems. Discrimination is also not solely a thing of the past. 

On this episode of The Buildout, we hear from housing professionals in Colorado who have been working to close the gap between white and Black homeownership: CHFA development specialist Greg Brown, Arthur Brown of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation and Kevin Marchman, co-founder and chairman of the National Organization of African Americans in Housing.  

Resources from this episode: 

• Learn more about CHFA resources for first generation homebuyers 
• Learn more about Own Your Tomorrow homebuyer programs  
• Learn more about Own Your Tomorrow events in Denver 
• Learn more about Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation 
• Learn more about the National Organization of African Americans in Housing 

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.