Colorado School Districts Utilize Creative Solution to Workforce Housing

In the face of a severe lack of workforce housing in Colorado's resort communities, two school districts have found a unique solution that not only benefits their employees but also provides valuable skills to students. Aspen School District and Summit School District have turned to tiny homes built by students as a way to provide affordable housing options for their staff.

The median home price in Pitkin County has reached an astronomical $2.3 million, making it nearly impossible for many educators and school staff to live in the communities they serve. This housing crisis not only impacts the quality of life for these employees but also poses a challenge for school districts to attract and retain qualified staff.

But thanks to the creative thinking of district leaders, Aspen and Summit are breaking new ground in addressing this problem. By utilizing tiny homes, the districts are not only providing affordable housing options, but also giving students hands-on experience in construction and carpentry before they graduate.

While these tiny homes may not be a permanent solution to a lack of housing, they provide a warm, safe, and dry place for staff to live. And with the ability to move these homes to different locations, they can be utilized in a variety of ways to meet the ever-changing needs of the community.

Aspen School District Superintendent Dave Baugh recognizes that this is just one part of a larger effort to address the issue. "We want to be nimble and make sure that our staff has somewhere to live," he told the Colorado Sun. The district currently has plans to place the tiny homes in mobile home parks and on district-owned property.

The cost of these tiny homes comes at a fraction of the market price, totaling about $75,000. Thanks to the partnership with the BOCES, students are able to learn valuable skills while helping to construct these homes. The cost includes materials, tools, trailers, and even appliances, making it significantly cheaper than the market value of $200,000.

This innovative approach is made possible in part by a $94.3 million bond approved by the community in 2020, which allowed the district to invest in affordable housing for their employees. Of that amount, $45 million is specifically designated for teacher housing, according to the reporting of The Aspen Times.

Aspen School District has already invested in 102 units, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom homes, with rents set at 20-25% of an employee's take-home pay. This means that teachers are able to save significantly on housing costs, giving them more financial stability.

In a time where the affordable housing crisis seems insurmountable, Aspen and Summit School Districts have shown that creative thinking and collaboration can lead to successful solutions. Not only are teachers and school staff able to find affordable housing, but students are also gaining valuable skills that will serve them well in the future.