The Buildout

Colorado’s teachers and public school employees are being priced out of the communities they serve, and that’s affecting students and schools. A Keystone Policy Institute survey of more than 3,000 Colorado educators and public school employees found that many spend over 40 percent of their income on housing. A new statewide program could help. The CHFA Schools To Home program offers down payment assistance to public school employees, opening a new pathway into homeownership for educators, and a new tool to combat teacher shortages and high turnover.

Colorado State Senator Lisa Frizell shares more about how the CHFA Schools To Home model works, and why the unique structure is well suited for Colorado educators. Angie McPhaul of Gary Community Ventures says a statewide solution is needed, and that living close to school helps teachers build lasting connections with students and stay in the classroom.

Resources from this episode:

• Keystone Policy Institute: Teacher Perspectives on Housing Affordability
• CHFA Schools To Home
• Gary Community Ventures

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.

Food and shelter are two basic things all humans need to survive. But with the rising costs of both groceries and housing, a lot of Coloradans are finding it difficult to afford both. In this episode, we hear from organizations seeking to address food insecurity, including Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado, Longmont Housing Authority, and the Family and Intercultural Resource Center (FIRC) in Summit County. Each is unique in their strategy, but all share the conviction that one should never have to choose between dinner or shelter.

Resources from this episode:

• Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado
• Longmont Housing Authority
• Family and Intercultural Resource Center

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.

Colorado needs over 136,000 more affordable housing units for low-income earners. That means the state needs people to build that housing. From skilled tradespeople to developers and property managers, the industry needs all kinds of workers to tackle the state’s housing crisis.

In Colorado Springs, Mat Lujan and Cliff Hunter head up Project Diakonia; a nonprofit that mentors at-risk youth with hands-on construction training, and partners with Habitat for Humanity to build affordable housing. Plus, the University of Denver offers an intensive, year-long curriculum to support housing and real estate professionals at every level. Co-director Susan Daggett says these cohorts bring together students with diverse experiences from all over the state, encouraging them to use their unique expertise to help solve problems together.

After we’re done developing and building affordable housing, it’s property managers who take on the day-to-day work. Since affordable housing is not like conventional housing, property managers and the other multifamily property staff in these developments need unique support. They can turn to chfareach, which is an educational program for people who are developing, managing, or living in affordable housing properties. Program coordinator Belinda Waldron says they currently support almost 700 organizations and properties, and that number is only expected to grow.

Resources from this episode:

• Project Diakonia
• The Executive Certificate in Affordable Housing at University of Denver
• chfareach

As people exit incarceration, they are 10 times more likely to slip into homelessness because they face higher barriers to obtaining steady employment, reliable healthcare, and affordable housing. Colorado is home to many organizations dedicated to helping folks find a home amid their reentry journeys.

Julie Kiehl is the Executive Director of the Empowerment Program: an organization that primarily supports women leaving incarceration with affordable housing and wraparound services. Mandelyn Lewis shares her own experience finding housing through the Empowerment Program. Dan Ordaz, Executive Director of Jobs of Hope, discusses how his organization serves formerly incarcerated men in northern Colorado—where there are fewer resources compared to larger metros like Denver. Finally, Hassan Latif, founder of Second Chance Center, shares his experience of exiting incarceration and using that knowledge to help others in their own journeys. He believes that kind of lived experience can be an asset to a person, not a hindrance.

Resources from this episode:

• The Empowerment Program
• Colorado WAGEES Program
• Jobs of Hope
• Second Chance Center

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 ©2026 Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. All rights reserved.

Colorado’s housing and economic development needs are as diverse as the state’s landscapes. From plains to mountains, and from cities to ski slopes, no two communities are the same. Each needs tailor-made solutions. Through a strategic initiative called Vision 2030, CHFA plans to channel $30 billion in statewide investment to fuel housing and economic development, working closely with stakeholders from Kit Carson to Grand Junction.

To realize this vision, CHFA needs to collaborate with community leaders across the state, like Laura Lewis Marchino of the Region 9 Economic Development District. She says the high cost of required assessments create a burden for small governments. Scott Aker, CEO of Grand Junction Housing Authority, says much of the funding available for affordable housing is still out of reach for certain parts of the state. Amy Johnson of Kit Carson Rural Development says her area needs a way to subsidize small-scale developments. April Long, Executive Director of the West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition, says rising housing costs continue to displace the region's workers.

Thomas Bryan, CHFA’s Executive Director and CEO, says that Vision 2030 adapts to these diverse needs through specificity, key partnerships, and community alignment, all with the hope of increasing collective impact across Colorado.

Resource from this episode:

• Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado
• Grand Junction Housing Authority
• Kit Carson Rural Development
• West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition

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 ©2026 Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. All rights reserved.

This season on The Buildout, a podcast from Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA), we’re looking at what it takes to prepare Colorado for the future. Join us for Season Three beginning August 27, 2026, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

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.

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.

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.

On our second episode focused on responses to homelessness, we hit the highway, away from Colorado’s densely populated cities and downtowns to rural communities in the southwestern part of the state. The affordable housing crisis is just as dire in cities like Durango or Cortez, but in many cases, they face greater challenges when it comes to increasing the supply of affordable housing.

When it comes to reaching people, rural housing insecurity tends to be more hidden away; it’s not uncommon for people experiencing homelessness to couch surf, or to live in their cars. This can make it harder to assess the need, which can then make it more difficult to get the necessary resources.

But these challenges have only inspired creative, collaborative strategies. In this episode, we hear from a soup kitchen that is way more than just a soup kitchen, and an organization building relationships throughout the region to better serve those in the greatest need.

Links to resources you heard about in this episode:



• Get Involved with Manna Soup Kitchen
• Learn more about Project Moxie
• Learn about the Neighbors in Need Alliance
• Read NINA and Project Moxie’s 2022 Unhoused Count and Survey
• Colorado’s Affordable Housing Toolkit

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.