Housing and the economic vitality of a community are inextricably linked. Since 2021, SJDA has collaborated with San Juan County and Town of Silverton to bolster capacity for affordable housing developments.
A Housing Needs Assessment was performed for Silverton & San Juan County by Root Policy in the summer of 2021 through partnership between SJDA, the Southwest Colorado Council of Government, and Housing Solutions for the Southwest. The report analyzes existing housing data, housing plans, and identifies housing needs. The full report is accessible here: [insert 2021 Housing Needs Assessment].
In Fall 2021, SJDA applied for and was awarded a technical assistance grant from the Colorado Housing & Financial Authority (CHFA) to help catalyze small-scale affordable housing developments by providing access to an affordable housing consultant and pre-development assistance. The result was a report with conceptual plans and actions for the Anvil Mountain Subdivision:
Anvil Martha Rose Affordable Homeownership Development
In 2022, SJDA applied for and was awarded a grant from the Colorado Division of Housing for an affordable homeownership program building 4 new units between 80%-100% Area Median Income. The Martha Rose Homeownership Program was a partnership between SJDA, San Juan County, and 9318 Contracting with support from Region 9 Economic Development. The homes were sold through an application process to ensure the homes sold to households earning less than 100% and 80% Area Median Income. The final house of the project received its Certificate of Occupancy in early January 2025.
Increasing Capacity for Affordable Housing Development
Through a strategic partnership between SJDA and Town of Silverton utilizing the Colorado Department Local Affairs’ Rural Economic Development Initiative grant, a Housing Coordinator position was created in 2023, a shared position between the organizations. The grant was instrumental in increasing the capacity for affordable housing development in Silverton, resulting in the establishment and staffing of the Silverton Housing Authority. SJDA maintains a partnership with the Silverton Housing Authority as they lead the charge on several affordable housing developments. You can learn more about the Silverton Housing Authority’s initiatives on their website: