Housing Strategy Update 2024
As the currently adopted Housing Strategy approaches its halfway mark for implementation, the City is conducting a Housing Strategy Update to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the efforts and identify any necessary adjustments to guide the work over the next three to six years. This update is particularly important as housing tools, economic conditions, and funding sources have evolved substantially since 2021. The process has involved a thorough evaluation of housing data and a detailed survey of housing and development professionals. Based on the insights gathered, Root Policy Research has developed a preliminary list of recommendations for refining the strategy. This update's final stages are approaching and community input is encouraged to ensure these strategies represent the community.
On October 16, 2024, the City adopted Resolution 74-24 (PDF), updating the City of Grand Junction Housing Strategy (PDF) to reflect eleven key strategies. This update builds on the accomplishments of previous strategies while introducing new approaches to delivering housing outcomes. Many of the strategies are continuations or refinements of previous efforts.
Background about Housing in Grand Junction
The City of Grand Junction is committed to enacting housing policies and partnering with outside organizations that seek to increase affordable housing options, and diverse housing choices, decrease the gap between need and housing inventory, and assist those without homes to be matched with supportive services.
Grand Valley Housing Needs Assessment and Strategy 2021
In 2019, the City and its partners began work with Root Policy Research, a Colorado consultancy with extensive experience in the housing field, on the Grand Valley Housing Needs Assessment (PDF). In 2021, the Housing Needs Assessment was completed. The Housing needs assessment informed the creation of a City of Grand Junction Housing Strategy. On October 6, 2021, adopted Resolution 82-21 (PDF) which included twelve original housing strategies. On December 21, 2022, the City adopted Resolution 96-22 (PDF), which added a thirteenth housing strategy to promote community engagement and education around housing.
Unhoused Strategy & Implementation Plan
The Unhoused Strategy & Implementation Plan is a community-wide plan that builds upon the research conducted by JG Research in the UHNA. It enhances the initial findings outlined in the Unhoused Strategy Report, transforming them into a comprehensive community-wide plan. The plan is aimed at addressing critical gaps and meeting the immediate needs of individuals experiencing homelessness in the Grand Junction area and aligning with the overarching community objective of achieving Functional Zero. The Unhoused Strategy & Implementation Plan was formally adopted by City Council on July 3, 2024, through Resolution 49-24. View the Unhoused Strategy & Implementation Plan.
Through these strategies, the Housing Division has created programs for Grand Junction residents to assist with workforce housing and related topics. Learn about each strategy by viewing the Housing Strategies section on the sidebar.
What is Affordable and Attainable Housing?
Defining housing affordability
Housing programs utilize housing affordability in terms of percentage of income. The federal government typically defines housing affordability as keeping housing costs (mortgage, rent, mortgage or rental insurance, utilities, etc.) at less than 30% of a household's gross monthly income. Housing affordability is something every individual or family needs regardless of income as 30% allows flexibility for households to manage other expenses (e.g. childcare, health care, transportation, food costs, etc.). A cost-burdened household is one whose housing costs are MORE than 30% of income. Households that spend more than 50% of their income in housing costs are considered to be extremely cost-burdened and put households at high risk of houselessness - and restrict the extent to which households can contribute to the local economy.
The term "Affordable Housing" is often used to specifically describe housing that has some type of income restriction or public support or subsidy, such as Low-Income Tax Credits (LIHTC) or Housing Choice Vouchers, and other funding sources utilizing public dollars. Many households who qualify for affordable housing programs are often employed in low-income jobs including food service, healthcare assistants, daycare providers, administrative staff, etc., or may disabled, elderly, or on fixed incomes.
"Attainable" or "Workforce" Housing are also common terms for moderate-income households. Households who fall within the Attainable or Workforce category typically earn too much to qualify for subsidized housing but may be unable to afford most quality market-rate housing or the general housing costs that are generated by the real estate market. Many such households include those employed in essential sectors that have stagnant wages like teachers, police officers, hospital support staff, delivery workers, etc. Due to the increased housing costs, employees in these professions may have a difficult time finding adequate local housing.
Area median Income (AMI) - often referred to as simply AMI - is a key metric in affordable housing. Area median income is defined as the midpoint of a specific area's income distribution and is calculated through the Department of Housing and Urban Development or through the State of Colorado and is based on household size and household income. AMI is used for assessing affordable housing eligibility.
What are the City of Grand Junction's Affordable and Attainable Housing Definitions?
On August 2, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution 65-23 which amended the City of Grand Junctions Housing Goal and the definitions for Affordable and Attainable Housing.
- Affordable Housing is defined as units that have a contractual requirement for an income restriction for affordability (housing costs are less than 30%) for thirty or more years.
- Rental Units - units that are affordable to households at 60% AMI or below
- For-Sale/Homeownership - units affordable to households at 100% AMI or below
- Attainable/Workforce Housing
- Rental Units - units that are affordable to households at 80% AMI to 100% AMI
- For-Sale/Homeownership - units affordable to households at 100% to 140% AMI
Housing Strategy Update 2024
As the currently adopted Housing Strategy approaches its halfway mark for implementation, the City is conducting a Housing Strategy Update to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the efforts and identify any necessary adjustments to guide the work over the next three to six years. This update is particularly important as housing tools, economic conditions, and funding sources have evolved substantially since 2021. The process has involved a thorough evaluation of housing data and a detailed survey of housing and development professionals. Based on the insights gathered, Root Policy Research has developed a preliminary list of recommendations for refining the strategy. This update's final stages are approaching and community input is encouraged to ensure these strategies represent the community.
On October 16, 2024, the City adopted Resolution 74-24 (PDF), updating the City of Grand Junction Housing Strategy (PDF) to reflect eleven key strategies. This update builds on the accomplishments of previous strategies while introducing new approaches to delivering housing outcomes. Many of the strategies are continuations or refinements of previous efforts.
Background about Housing in Grand Junction
The City of Grand Junction is committed to enacting housing policies and partnering with outside organizations that seek to increase affordable housing options, and diverse housing choices, decrease the gap between need and housing inventory, and assist those without homes to be matched with supportive services.
Grand Valley Housing Needs Assessment and Strategy 2021
In 2019, the City and its partners began work with Root Policy Research, a Colorado consultancy with extensive experience in the housing field, on the Grand Valley Housing Needs Assessment (PDF). In 2021, the Housing Needs Assessment was completed. The Housing needs assessment informed the creation of a City of Grand Junction Housing Strategy. On October 6, 2021, adopted Resolution 82-21 (PDF) which included twelve original housing strategies. On December 21, 2022, the City adopted Resolution 96-22 (PDF), which added a thirteenth housing strategy to promote community engagement and education around housing.
Unhoused Strategy & Implementation Plan
The Unhoused Strategy & Implementation Plan is a community-wide plan that builds upon the research conducted by JG Research in the UHNA. It enhances the initial findings outlined in the Unhoused Strategy Report, transforming them into a comprehensive community-wide plan. The plan is aimed at addressing critical gaps and meeting the immediate needs of individuals experiencing homelessness in the Grand Junction area and aligning with the overarching community objective of achieving Functional Zero. The Unhoused Strategy & Implementation Plan was formally adopted by City Council on July 3, 2024, through Resolution 49-24. View the Unhoused Strategy & Implementation Plan.
Through these strategies, the Housing Division has created programs for Grand Junction residents to assist with workforce housing and related topics. Learn about each strategy by viewing the Housing Strategies section on the sidebar.
What is Affordable and Attainable Housing?
Defining housing affordability
Housing programs utilize housing affordability in terms of percentage of income. The federal government typically defines housing affordability as keeping housing costs (mortgage, rent, mortgage or rental insurance, utilities, etc.) at less than 30% of a household's gross monthly income. Housing affordability is something every individual or family needs regardless of income as 30% allows flexibility for households to manage other expenses (e.g. childcare, health care, transportation, food costs, etc.). A cost-burdened household is one whose housing costs are MORE than 30% of income. Households that spend more than 50% of their income in housing costs are considered to be extremely cost-burdened and put households at high risk of houselessness - and restrict the extent to which households can contribute to the local economy.
The term "Affordable Housing" is often used to specifically describe housing that has some type of income restriction or public support or subsidy, such as Low-Income Tax Credits (LIHTC) or Housing Choice Vouchers, and other funding sources utilizing public dollars. Many households who qualify for affordable housing programs are often employed in low-income jobs including food service, healthcare assistants, daycare providers, administrative staff, etc., or may disabled, elderly, or on fixed incomes.
"Attainable" or "Workforce" Housing are also common terms for moderate-income households. Households who fall within the Attainable or Workforce category typically earn too much to qualify for subsidized housing but may be unable to afford most quality market-rate housing or the general housing costs that are generated by the real estate market. Many such households include those employed in essential sectors that have stagnant wages like teachers, police officers, hospital support staff, delivery workers, etc. Due to the increased housing costs, employees in these professions may have a difficult time finding adequate local housing.
Area median Income (AMI) - often referred to as simply AMI - is a key metric in affordable housing. Area median income is defined as the midpoint of a specific area's income distribution and is calculated through the Department of Housing and Urban Development or through the State of Colorado and is based on household size and household income. AMI is used for assessing affordable housing eligibility.
What are the City of Grand Junction's Affordable and Attainable Housing Definitions?
On August 2, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution 65-23 which amended the City of Grand Junctions Housing Goal and the definitions for Affordable and Attainable Housing.
- Affordable Housing is defined as units that have a contractual requirement for an income restriction for affordability (housing costs are less than 30%) for thirty or more years.
- Rental Units - units that are affordable to households at 60% AMI or below
- For-Sale/Homeownership - units affordable to households at 100% AMI or below
- Attainable/Workforce Housing
- Rental Units - units that are affordable to households at 80% AMI to 100% AMI
- For-Sale/Homeownership - units affordable to households at 100% to 140% AMI
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