Governor Polis visited Pueblo and Colorado Springs to discuss making housing more affordable and transit in Colorado and how the plan can support Southern Colorado communities and economies. The Governor discussed the administration’s Roadmap to a Future Colorado: 2026, which outlines a bold vision for housing, transit, and more affordable, sustainable communities across the state.
“Increasing housing and transit options for everyone in our state, including in cities like Colorado Springs and Pueblo, will make Colorado more affordable and livable. Projects like the Commons and the workforce housing at Fuel & Iron are models that I hope to see replicated around the state. The Roadmap to a Future Colorado lays out a comprehensive vision for the future of our state and if we take the necessary steps we can create more housing now, increase transit choices, reduce traffic and protect our water and open spaces,” said Governor Polis.
Released last week, the Governor’s housing and transit roadmap focuses on six key areas:
- Saving people money on housing while increasing the housing supply
- Streamlining processes
- Increasing access to transit
- Improving air quality through strategic planning
- Protecting Colorado’s water and open space
- And supporting local businesses and communities.
“I am grateful the Governor visited Colorado Springs to see firsthand how we’re working with our community partners to address homelessness and housing. The Commons is an innovative project that is part of our multifaceted community approach to end homelessness. The magic of the Commons is the pairing of housing with case management and supportive services. I was also encouraged to hear more about the Governor’s focus on housing diversity, which is a real need here, and I hope to see that come to life through meaningful solutions, including construction defect reform in the upcoming legislative session,” said Mayor Yemi Mobolade.
During his time in Southern Colorado Governor Polis stopped by the Fuel & Iron Food Hall in Pueblo, Colorado. The Governor presented Fuel & Iron with the 2024 Governor’s Hart Award for their innovative work to revitalize the historic building. Fuel & Iron Food Hall turned the historic Holmes Hardware building in Pueblo into a culinary community space that includes twenty-eight needed workforce housing units.
The Governor also visited The Commons in Colorado Springs, a housing community that includes 50 apartments and connects residents to services such as health care, support groups, substance abuse recovery groups, job skills training and support, recreational and socialization opportunities as well as financial management.
“Creating more housing options like the Commons will help more people find a place to call home, have more transportation choices, and access the support they need to thrive in our community,” said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs. “The Commons is a shining example of how we can build housing that includes all of our neighbors. Prioritizing affordable, transit-oriented housing opportunities helps more Coloradans afford to live, work, and play in the community we all love so much.”
“The rising cost of homes and drastic rent increases have threatened to make Colorado Springs an unaffordable place to live,” said Senator Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs. “Increasing housing supply and prioritizing more efficient transit systems is a win-win solution that will boost Colorado Springs’ economy and ensure our city remains a great place to live and work. I’m pleased to see the Governor lay out a vision for housing and transit solutions that will help reduce costs and allow more families to remain in the communities they love, and I look forward to supporting these efforts in the coming legislative session.”