Boulder and Denver Faced With Steady Loss of Affordable Housing

Boulder is a poster child for the housing crisis, according to The Denver Post.

1 minute read

February 21, 2016, 7:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Cities around the Front Range serve as examples of the housing crisis, reports Emilie Rusch:

According to a 2014 study by the city's housing authority [pdf], Boulder is losing about 1,000 units of market affordable for-sale and rental housing every year and adding back an average of 123 units of permanently affordable housing.

The article notes the same study's dire predictions about the future of affordable housing in Boulder should that trend continue, but also notes that Boulder is the vanguard in a broad trend that extends to other cities in the region, especially Denver. The article concludes by examining examples of policy responses to the loss of affordable housing in Boulder and Denver.

Sunday, February 14, 2016 in The Denver Post

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 7, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

The mayor of Baltimore speaks into a microphone in front of a rally for more state transportation funding from Maryland.

‘Going backwards:’ Baltimore mayor, students rally against state's transit funding plan

Maryland's proposed six-year plan provides no funding for Baltimore’s BMORE bus program and reduces its road maintenance funding.

October 2, 2026 - Baltimore Sun

A rendering of the waterfront development, which shows a lit-up stage by the waterfront and people walking about.

Detroit to transform waterfront with $2.2 billion investment

Developers will convert about 18 acres of unused parking lot space into civic spaces.

October 2, 2026 - ABC 7

The U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner and President Donald Trump at a press conference.

HUD, USDA agree on framework to simplify housing environmental review standards

Their agreement is a requirement of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.

October 7 - Smart Cities Dive

Two hands install a water pipe in red dirt.

Cost of water rising at a faster pace than inflation, median household income

California and Maryland residents have seen their water bills grow especially high.

October 7 - Inside Climate News

A residential street with apartments in NYC.

NYC building owners overwhelmingly comply with new emissions limits

The New York City Department of Buildings is fining owners who did not file emissions reports.

October 7 - Smart Cities Dive

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.