Attainable (Affordable) Housing

Housing Need

The availability of affordable housing offers many community benefits, including reduced commute time and stress, and improved neighborhood stability. Unfortunately, many Colorado residents spend more than 30% of their income on housing, and finding attainable housing has become a serious challenge. The City of Arvada is taking a close look at attainable/affordable, housing in our communities.

What is Arvada Doing?

The City is addressing these concerns in many ways. The City Council Strategic Plan includes the following strategic results related to housing:

Beginning in 2019, 25% of new housing is located in urban centers and corridors.
By 2019, 25% of new housing will be located in neighborhoods or developments that incorporate a mix of lot sizes, development densities and housing types and styles.
By 2019, facilitate the development of one attainable senior housing development containing at least 50 units.
By December 2017, develop a map of potential sites appropriate/suitable for attainable housing developments to be used for City Council discussion and neighborhood outreach in association with the Hometown Colorado Initiative.

Following the adoption of the City Council Strategic Plan, the City tasked Leadership Team members to help find ways to bridge the housing gap for households with low and moderate incomes. The results stemming from that directive were presented to Council in August 2016:

Attainable Housing Developments in the Denver Metro Area (City Council Workshop, August 22, 2016)

Current Affordable Housing in Progress

Allison Village - This project located at 5352 Allison St. is a 100 unit mixed use project that is owned and operated by Foothills Regional Housing. The project has dedicated units for at-risk youth and veterans. It opened in January 2023.
Family Tree - This proposed 85 unit project located at 55th and Marshall will have supportive housing with wraparound services on site and linkages to clinical services. The project requires a conditional use permit from City Council.
Legacy Senior Residences - This project is a 72 unit senior independent living facility. The development is scheduled to break ground in mid-2023.
Marshall Pointe - This proposed 258 unit project is located at 52nd and Marshall. The project requires a conditional use permit from City Council.
Ralston Creek - This project located at the site of the former Kmart will have a total of 328 units with 5% (16 units) to be dedicated as affordable. This project is approved and is currently under construction.
Ralston Gardens - This proposed project has 102 units and is located at 58th Avenue and Ralston Road. The project is requesting a major modification from City Council.
Vance Street Flats - This 53 unit project is located near 58th Avenue and Ralston Road. There is also 1,500 square feet of commercial space. The project is approved and currently under construction.

Housing Assessment

In June 2019, the City of Arvada began developing a housing assessment. The purpose of the assessment was to develop a clear understanding of the characteristics and dynamics of housing in Arvada. By developing a housing assessment, the City is taking a close look at our gaps, strengths, and potential actions available to balance housing in our community. Using the results of the housing assessment (which is complete and can be viewed here), the City’s goal is to implement a Housing Strategy that consists of practical, functional actions that promote future housing diversity in Arvada.

Existing City Housing Programs

City Partnerships with Other Agencies

The City, in partnership with other agencies, is studying a number of long term solutions. The following documents provide some context and background on the affordable/attainable housing issues facing Arvada and the State of Colorado.