With housing costs soaring and renters struggling to keep up, the City of Glenwood Springs is hosting a free housing symposium on Thursday, April 24, aimed at giving residents the tools they need to find relief, take the next step toward homeownership or support their employees.
The event is part of National Fair Housing Month and focuses on real, actionable solutions. Organizers say the symposium is for anyone affected by the housing crisis — renters, first-time buyers, employers and community members looking for support.
“This event is about connecting people with the actual programs that exist today,” Public Information Officer Bryana Starbuck said. “There are renters and potential buyers who just don’t know these opportunities are available.”
The housing market in Glenwood Springs has shifted dramatically in the past two decades. The average single-family home value rose 333%, from $206,225 in 2004 to $892,497 in 2024. Condo values have increased 391% in that time, from $96,286 to $472,880.
Meanwhile, median household income rose just 49%, from $53,882 to $80,806. That growing gap has made homeownership feel out of reach for many.
“We’ve developed some really creative programs since voters passed the 2C affordable housing tax,” Economic and Community Development Director Hannah Klausman said. “But people need to know they exist in order to benefit from them.”
The 2C measure, approved by Glenwood Springs voters in 2022, added a short-term lodging tax to fund workforce and affordable housing initiatives. The dedicated revenue stream allows the city to launch new housing programs and partner with employers and developers to increase access to housing for locals.
The city’s affordable housing efforts are funded by the 2C lodging tax, along with state and federal dollars. Several programs have launched in the last two years to provide down payment help, rental assistance and more.
Renters continue to be among the most cost-burdened — 44% of Glenwood Springs renter households spend more than 30% of their monthly income on rent.
To help, the city is rolling out a new rental assistance pilot program in 2025. Local businesses within city limits can apply for support on behalf of employees who pay more than 30% of their income on rent. The program splits costs between the city’s 2C fund and the participating employer.
“This symposium is a transparent effort to show the community what has been created with their support,” Klausman said. “Even if you don’t directly qualify, you probably know someone who would benefit.”
The event will include informational booths from Habitat for Humanity, the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, the West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition and more. Local realtors and city staff will also be on hand to walk attendees through available programs.
“This isn’t just a discussion,” Senior Planner Watkins Fulk-Gray said. “This is a high-value opportunity for people to get real answers and find real opportunities.”
Short films about the Fair Housing Act and national housing trends will be shown, followed by a panel discussion with local experts. There will be opportunities for the public to ask questions and connect one-on-one.
Attendees can also sign up for a free HUD-certified homebuyer education course. Offered by a nonprofit based in Grand Junction, the class covers financial preparation, mortgage lending and the full homebuying process.
“This class is extremely useful for anyone interested in buying a home,” Starbuck said. “It helps prepare people financially and makes the process a lot less intimidating.”
The city also recently launched a housing website at cogs.us/housing, which provides a breakdown of current housing programs and affordable apartment listings. The site is organized by renter status, ownership status and business needs.
“Housing is where jobs go to sleep,” Starbuck said. “It impacts everything from the economy to schools to our overall quality of life.”
Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
The Glenwood Springs Housing Solutions Symposium will take place from 5-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 24 at the Glenwood Springs Library.
