League of Women Voters Affordable Housing Program Materials Trends Impacting Affordable Housing New construction is not keeping pace with the growing demand. Cost of housing is increasing faster than Mesa county wages. Low interest rates, combined with population growth, have generated a higher demand for home purchases. Houses and condos are selling much quicker, usually under 70 days.
Few programs have guidelines broad enough to serve low and moderate income families.
Ways to Promote Affordable Housing Encourage rehabilitation of dilapidated properties and infill development to avoid the cost of land development cost and to promote mixed housing. Embrace affordable housing as an asset, not a detriment to the community and promote the development of affordable housing in close proximity to jobs, shopping and schools. Support careful use of high-quality manufactured housing for affordable housing. Typically, a subsidized rent program requires the would-be renter to locate a housing unit that is approved by the subsidized rental program. These programs do not have enough grant funds for all qualified low-income renters.