Jill Klosterman, Eagle County Government Housing Director
Julie Bergsten, Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate Vice President
Elyse Howard, Habitat Vail Valley Development Director
Gerry Flynn, Polar Star Properties
Here are some key takeaways from the discussion:
+ A multi-faceted problem that requires creative solutions
+ We need more affordable housing. Needs assessment shows that Eagle County needs around 4,500 housing units.
+ We need to act now, or the problem will get worse
+ We need more land to build on, we need money to buy it; or land to exchange with the forest service
+ Our workforce’s wages are low, and need assistance with loans
+ Our community needs to partner and work together (private/public)
+ Little involvement from government (help with restrictions, incentives, purchasing land)
+ Developers need land and fees alleviated and support from public sectors
+ Deed restrictions and free-up more rental properties for locals
+ Summit County already has established a sales tax for affordable housing and has been able to purchase land with those funds.
+ There are waitlists of over 100 groups and families for both Polar Star Properties (rental) and Miller Ranch (home ownership) each.
Sum up the discussion points = Vote YES on 1A!
The panelists (professionals in both private and public sectors) believe that this problem will probably not ever go away, but it becomes less of a problem if we act now. They strongly believe by passing ballot issue 1A is a first, great step in the right direction. There are working models and a plan.
Thank you Eagle County Government Television for recording the discussion. A link will soon be provided to watch for those who missed the forum.