About the Fraser River Valley Housing Partnership:
The primary role of the Fraser River Valley Housing Partnership is to facilitate the development of workforce housing units. The goal suggested by the Housing Needs Assessment is to dramatically increase the inventory of workforce housing. The strategic priorities recommended were:
See current pipeline of community housing development projects through to completion
Create a balanced for-sale market for locally employed households through deed restrictions
Create a functional rental market below 120% AMI across a range of products
Land bank appropriate parcels
Preserve existing inventory
Given the hard work on pipeline projects by the Towns of Winter Park, Fraser, and Granby, there is a legitimate pathway to add over 450 units. These projects include Hideaway Junction II, St. Louis Landing, Nuche Village, and the Summit at Granby Apartments. Therefore supporting the first strategy enhances the potential of the second and third strategies. Most of the pipeline projects are contingent upon early funding through grants or program awards. Once these contingencies are realized, the Partnership can identify ways to support projects or implement programs that increase the inventory.
The 2022 Housing Needs Assessment shows a need for more than 700 rental and homeownership properties in Grand County. An updated needs assessment is being conducted in 2026.
History of the Fraser River Valley Housing Partnership
Discussion of forming a regional housing authority began in September of 2021 following a joint meeting between the Towns of Fraser and Winter Park. The Town of Granby and Grand County joined the working group shortly thereafter and a draft Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) was presented to all the participating governments at a joint meeting on March 14, 2022.
Following approval of the IGA, the group proceeded with appointing the board of the new housing partnership, with the board being fully formed in early August of 2022. The board consists of seven members, with four being appointed by the participating governments, and three appointed as at-large members.
In 2022 a ballot measure (Ballot Measure 6A) was presented and approved by voters. The ballot allows for the collection of a 2 mill property tax to fund the Partnership efforts to support workforce housing. The mill levy was collected for the first time in 2023 and the funds have already allowed for significant contributions towards workforce housing projects in the years that have followed.
The primary role of the Fraser River Valley Housing Partnership is to facilitate the development of workforce housing units. In addition, the Housing Partnership looks to manage housing initiatives, developments, and programs to benefit year-round residents. All participating governments have agreed that workforce housing is a top issue. The Mountain Migration Study revealed that home prices in mountain communities continue to reach record heights, with rents increasing 20-40% within one year. A housing needs assessment conducted by the Partnership shows a more than 700-unit gap in affordable rental and homeownership opportunities in the Fraser River Valley.
Upcoming Events
Regular board meetings are scheduled for the second Monday of the month from 2-5 pm.
Meetings in odd months will be held at Winter Park Town Hall.
Meetings even months will be held at Granby Town Hall.
All regular board meetings have a Zoom link.
