Colorado Governor Jared Polis and state Democrats are pushing for the implementation of low-cost modular housing as a solution to the state's housing shortage. However, critics argue that this plan could result in poorly constructed cheap housing and waste taxpayer dollars.

On Tuesday, Gov. Polis, along with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) and the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA), announced funding to support the growth of eight modular housing manufacturers across Colorado.

These manufacturers are expected to produce a total of 4,755 housing units per year.

The funding includes loans from the Innovative Housing Incentive Program (IHIP) and the Proposition 123 Affordable Housing Financing Fund. These programs offer low-cost financing options for innovative housing manufacturing facilities, including panelized, tiny homes, kit homes, and offsite 3D-printed homes.

The grants are intended, according to Polis, to benefit three Colorado-based housing manufacturers, two startups, and three out-of-state companies, creating a projected 1,280 jobs.

Gov. Polis says the aim is to provide more affordable housing options and allow people to live closer to their jobs and communities. However, concerns have been raised about the quality of these modular homes. Cheap and quickly assembled housing units may not meet the necessary standards for safety and durability. This could result in long-term issues for the families living in these homes, as well as potential costs for repairs and maintenance.

Critics argue that the focus should be on ensuring the construction of high-quality affordable housing rather than rushing to build large quantities of cheap housing. It is essential to prioritize the well-being and long-term satisfaction of Coloradan families rather than simply meeting housing quotas.

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Furthermore, there are concerns about the use of taxpayer dollars to finance these projects.

The push for low-cost modular housing raises questions about the potential consequences of prioritizing quantity over quality. It is essential to strike a balance between affordability and ensuring that Coloradans have access to safe, durable, and well-built homes.

Rushing to implement a plan without thorough consideration of these factors may lead to regrettable outcomes in the long run.