Title
The Ridge Affordable Housing Post-Occupancy Analysis
Presenter:
Katie Sunderlin, Senior Affordable Housing Coordinator, Housing and Community Vitality Department
Steve Posey, Chief Housing Officer, Housing and Community Vitality Department
Body
Summary:
This informational item systematically analyzes the impact of The Ridge, an affordable housing development, on the neighboring community across four distinct categories: traffic, crime, property values, and test scores. The examination yielded objective insights into the development's influence, encompassing observations on local traffic dynamics, crime rates, property valuations, and standardized test scores.
The primary goal of undertaking this analysis was to gain a localized understanding of the quantifiable impact of affordable housing developments on the community's most vocalized concerns. Specifically focusing on increased traffic, elevated crime rates, diminished property values, and reduced test scores, the investigation conducted by the Housing and Community Vitality Department aims to provide valuable insights into the actual impact of affordable housing on these specific areas of public concern.
Background:
Affordable and attainable housing continues to be a high priority concern for residents of the City of Colorado Springs. Between 2018-2022, there has been a 17% increase in household formation in our region, exerting pressure to expand the city's housing inventory at multiple price points. As housing costs continue to rise, there has been a 143% increase in the number of households of moderate income (80% - 120% of Area Median Income) that are cost-burdened. Jobs in this income band include finance and banking positions, computer systems analysts and administrators, accountants, and mid-level management.
Housing & Community Vitality staff continue to work with for-profit and non-profit developers to bring housing into our region that is well-aligned with a range of income ...
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