Where do Boulder’s candidates for Mayor and City Council stand on affordable housing?

Boulder’s newly elected officials could have a significant impact on the city’s affordable housing, so we wanted to know their views. We asked them four questions. Candidates responded in writing, and we posted their answers unedited. While Boulder Housing Network does not endorse candidates, we can help you make an informed choice.

One important housing issue elected officials are likely to face in the coming years is a decision about the Planning Reserve, an area on the north end of the city that is one of the best options to achieve our goals on middle-income and affordable housing. More generally, the longer we wait to build affordable housing, the harder it becomes.

We know our readers are familiar with the city’s housing problem. One meaningful indicator is the size of new homes built in the city. From 2006-2017 the median size of a new home was 5,600 SF. The median size of demolished homes in that time was 1,200-2,000 SF. Earlier this year, Boulder broke a record for the most expensive home ever sold in the city, at $13 million.

Which candidates understand the mechanics of how housing policy is made? Who claims to prioritize housing above other issues? How do they propose to achieve their housing plans? To find out, click below.

Mayoral Candidate responses

  1. Aaron Brockett
  2. Nicole Speer
  3. Paul Tweedlie
  4. Bob Yates

Council Candidate responses

  1. Taishya Adams
  2. Silas Atkins
  3. Terri Brncic
  4. Jacques Decalo (no response)
  5. Waylon Lewis
  6. Tina Marquis
  7. Aaron Neyer
  8. Jenny Robins
  9. Ryan Schuchard
  10. Tara Winer

Responses by question

Question 1: Where does housing rank amongst your priorities? What housing policies or programs will you advocate to include in Council’s 2024-2025 work plan?

Question 2: Where and by what means should Boulder create more middle-income  housing? By middle-income housing, we mean housing that is attainable to households earning $80,000 to $150,000 a year.

Question 3: What would you like to tell our subscribers that you will do to create housing that is at least somewhat affordable for middle-income residents?

Question 4: What are the biggest obstacles to creating the type of housing that you have just discussed, and what role can City Council play in removing them?

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