Time to Level Up Denver: Solving the Housing Crisis Together

For far too long, Colorado’s Congressional District 1—especially in Denver—has been caught in a cycle of reactionary housing policies. Short-term fixes and crisis management have been prioritized over the long-term solutions that we need. Rising home prices and rental costs are making affordable housing nearly impossible for many residents. This crisis is not just about housing—it’s about the future of our community.

I believe it’s time to change this approach. We need to stop applying band-aid solutions and start addressing the root causes of the housing crisis. My plan for solving the housing challenges facing District 1 offers a long-term, innovative approach that focuses on creating lasting stability for homeowners and renters alike.

What’s Happening Right Now?

Here’s the reality: homeownership is slipping out of reach for many people. In 2023, only 49% of residents in District 1 own their homes—far below the national average of 65%. One of the biggest reasons for this is the median home price, which in Denver has surged to over $600,000. The rental market isn’t much better. With 96% occupancy, rent for a one-bedroom apartment now averages $1,600 per month. For many working families, both homeownership and renting are becoming increasingly unaffordable.

If we don’t act soon, things will only get worse. Without intervention, homeownership could drop even further to 43% by 2034.

Similarly, rental occupancy rates are expected to remain high, tightening the market further and exacerbating the affordability crisis. The time for fresh, forward-thinking solutions is now.

A New Path Forward: Employee Homeownership Benefits (E.H.B.)

I’m not just talking about incremental changes; I’m proposing Employee Homeownership Benefits (E.H.B.) as a key part of the solution. These programs are employer-sponsored and offer financial support to employees to help them buy homes.

Here’s what E.H.B. programs provide:

• Down payment assistance

• Homebuyer education

• Reduced mortgage interest rates

• Financial counseling services

In places like Denver, where wages aren’t keeping up with rising home prices, E.H.B. programs are game-changers. They can help employees overcome financial barriers to homeownership and provide a stable, long-term solution that empowers people to build wealth and create economic security.

Why E.H.B. is a Win for Both Workers and Businesses

E.H.B. not only benefits employees but also helps businesses attract and retain top talent. Research shows that employees who own homes are more likely to stay with their employers, creating greater job stability and reducing turnover. This is a win for both workers and businesses in District 1, where the cost of living is a major concern for employees.

However, no solution is without challenges. We must ensure that these programs benefit all workers, not just higher-income employees. That’s why my plan includes a tiered benefit system, so that both lower-income employees needing rental assistance and middle-income employees ready to purchase homes receive the help they need.

What the Federal Government Can Do

The federal government has an important role to play in making these programs a reality. Through:

• Tax incentives for employers that offer E.H.B.

• Public-private partnerships to build affordable housing

• Federal matching programs for down payment assistance

These steps will make E.H.B. programs more effective and ensure that more workers can benefit from them.

How Does My Plan Differ from Dianna DeGette’s?

While Dianna DeGette has supported housing-related initiatives—especially during times of crisis—her approach has often been reactive. For instance, her work on the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act during the 2008 financial crisis and the Heating and Cooling Relief Act during the COVID-19 pandemic provided necessary short-term relief. But these policies have not tackled the long-term structural issues behind housing affordability.

My plan, on the other hand, offers sustainable, long-term solutions. By focusing on E.H.B., public-private partnerships, and targeted assistance programs, I’m proposing a proactive strategy that ensures lasting affordability for both renters and homeowners in District 1.

It’s Time to Level Up Denver!

I believe Colorado’s Congressional District 1 deserves more than temporary fixes—it deserves a transformative approach that makes affordable homeownership and rental options the standard, not the exception. Together, we can build a vibrant, economically diverse community where hard-working residents can thrive.

If we implement this plan, we can:

• Raise homeownership rates to 55% by 2034

• Stabilize rental occupancy at 92%

• Increase median household income by giving residents more disposable income through stable housing

This November, I’m asking for your trust and support to help level up Denver. With your help, we can take this journey together and create a city of hope and opportunity that works for everyone.

Let’s build the Denver we all know is possible.