Like many rural mountain communities, Archuleta County and Pagosa Springs have experienced an increase in housing demand due in part by population growth, an influx of second-homes buyers, and limited housing supply. This demand, coupled with constrained rental market and rising home prices, has made it difficult for local residents and its workforce to afford housing that meets their needs.
The County’s tourism-driven economy further strains the housing market, as vacation rentals often compete with long-term rental units, reducing the availability of affordable housing options for year-round residents. Additionally, the area’s remote location and rugged terrain limits the provision of water and sewer infrastructure limiting the development of new, affordable housing stock.
Why is Archuleta County Conducting a Housing Needs Assessment?
The County has retained ECOnorthwest and Western Spaces to conduct a comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) to better understand the housing needs of Archuleta County’s workforce and identify the projected housing need in the next 10 to 20 years. The HNA will further identify the types of housing, at what income range, and size that is needed in Archuleta County.
In 2023, Archuleta County was awarded a Strong Communities Program grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to retain a consultant team and conduct a regional housing needs assessment. The HNA will ultimately inform the development of a workforce housing strategy and help adjust other initiatives to support potential housing developments and programs as they arise.
We Want to Hear from You
Archuleta County is conducting a Housing Needs Assessment Survey to better understand the housing experiences and needs of our residents and local employers.
This survey will help us gather valuable insights to inform future housing policies and ensure that our community has access to safe, affordable, and suitable housing options.
Who Should Participate
- Residents — renters, homeowners, young professionals, seniors, and everyone in between!
- Employers — local business owners, HR professionals, and managers who understand the housing needs of their workforce.
Take the survey using the links below:
English
Employer Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ArchuletaEmployerSurvey
Household & Employee Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ArchuletaHouseholdEmployeeSurvey
Espanol
Encuesta de hogares: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ArchuletaResidenteyEmpleadoEncuesta
Encuesta a los empleados: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ArchuletaEmpleadoresEncuesta
Survey closes on November 22, 2024.