The short answer is easy: Denver's affordable housing issues affect everyone.
Anyone who cares about the quality of life here can appreciate that housing affordability is a critical issue for many residents. Remember that we are not simply talking about the challenges of homelessness and people with extremely low income; we are also talking about a wide spectrum of working people who earn up to $50,000 or more, yet struggle with basic monthly bills for housing and utilities.
Denver's workforce includes a varied range of occupations and annual incomes, such as:
- Dishwasher - $19,380
- Waiter/waitress - $21,910
- Home health aide - $24,980
- Teaching assistant - $27,620
- Bank teller - $29,330
- Veterinary tech - $31,180
- Bus driver - $32,920
- Community health worker - $36,830
Many young people, growing families, low- and middle-income families, older adults, or people with disabilities do not have the income that is needed to keep up with the rise in housing costs and the scarcity of availability.
Denver will not be the Denver that we all love--and all work to preserve, protect, and grow--without the opportunity for people of all income levels to live in safety and peace.
Employers are struggling to hire the workers they need to grow their businesses, because workers cannot find housing within reasonable commuting distance.
Our ability to recruit companies to locate here could be reduced if our housing prices and availability does not improve.
Our wonderful climate for entrepreneurs is equally at risk.
Is our lack of affordable housing your problem? It is if you love Denver.