Introducing The Buildout, a new podcast from CHFA. For 50 years, CHFA has worked alongside partners and communities in pursuit of the vision that everyone in Colorado will have the opportunity for housing stability and economic prosperity.
Now, we're uplifting the stories of those partners: people and organizations tackling some of the toughest housing challenges in the Centennial State. Over the course of eight episodes this season, The Buildout will take listeners across Colorado: from Front Range cities to resort towns to rural communities; from homelessness to homeownership; to the collaborations and innovations to build and preserve affordable housing. For every gap, there are hardworking, committed changemakers working to close it.
The Buildout Season One
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Podcast Trailer
Introducing The Buildout, conversations about the work to solve Colorado’s housing crisis and strengthen community
Episode One
50 Years of Strengthening Colorado
Episode Description and Show Notes
For the last 50 years, CHFA has worked alongside partners and communities in pursuit of the vision that everyone in Colorado will have the opportunity for housing stability and economic prosperity. In this first episode of The Buildout, we chat with Cris White, outgoing executive director and CEO, about his more than 30-year career at the organization and all of the changes and growth he’s seen. Cris takes us back to CHFA’s first partnership after the 1976 Big Thompson Flood, to CHFA’s expansion to offer business financing and the many programs CHFA has developed over the years. We’ll dig into CHFA’s investments in increasing homeownership, building affordable housing and creating partnerships to support a stronger Colorado.
Resources from this episode:
Episode Two
Getting Innovative with Modular Housing in Colorado
Episode Description and Show Notes
The state’s Affordable Housing Task Force says that Colorado has a housing shortage of about 325,000 units. That deficit has contributed to rapidly rising housing costs over the last decade plus. And the demand only continues to grow. How can the state keep up with that demand, while also keeping up with the cost of building and the time it takes? Innovation.
From 3D-printed units to panelized housing to shipping container construction and tiny homes, Colorado has established funding sources to encourage innovative building across the state.
“It's not just, let's do more of the same. It's let's do more, but different,” says Gene Eidelman, co-founder of Azure Printed Homes.
In this episode of The Buildout, we explore some of those innovations, including developers and builders who are using methods like modular construction to build housing faster and for less, without sacrificing quality and design.
Resources from this episode:
- Vederra Modular
- Azure Printed Homes
- Adam Berger Development
- Proposition 123 Colorado Affordable Housing Financing Fund
- Colorado’s Innovative Housing Incentive Program
- CHFA information about Innovative Housing and Modular Manufacturer Financing
Episode Three
Homelessness Part I: Responding to Urban Homelessness
Episode Description and Show Notes
Housing insecurity is on the rise in the U.S. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), more than 770,000 Americans were experiencing homelessness in January 2024—the largest number ever recorded since HUD began gathering data in 2007. The main factor driving housing instability in this country is the shortage of affordable housing.
Like everywhere else in the nation, Coloradans are feeling the effects of this housing shortage, but what that looks like depends on where in the state you stand. Because of how complex this crisis is, we’re devoting the next two episodes of The Buildout to solutions to tackling homelessness, focusing this first installment on Colorado’s urban areas. Along the Front Range, the affordable housing crisis tends to be a lot more visible, where large urban encampments have become the norm in recent years, sparking controversy and capturing headlines. We hear from guests who have been working to shift how cities approach homelessness, through the use of supportive housing, safe outdoor sites, and compassionate policies.
Resources from this episode:
- If you or a loved one are experiencing homelessness, contact 211 Colorado for information about resources
- Learn how to get involved with Colorado Coalition for the Homeless (CCH)
- Learn how to get involved with Community Investment Alliance
- Denver Department of Housing Stability
- Learn more about CCH's Advocacy Network
- Analysis on the Denver Supportive Housing Social Impact Bond Initiative
- Invisible People’s 2023 documentary “Finland Solved Homelessness: Here’s How”
- CCH’s 2023 State of Homelessness Report (PDF)
- Pallet rapid-response shelter builder
- Restoration Christian Ministries’ affordable housing development partnership, King’s Crossing Village
By accessing this podcast, I acknowledge that: views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) and that this podcast is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial or other advice. CHFA does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency, or suitability of the information provided and reference to any specific product or entity does not necessarily constitute CHFA’s endorsement or recommendation of it. The podcast may not be reproduced or redistributed without CHFA’s prior written consent and may be subject to the respective terms and policies of CHFA and the podcast hosting provider(s). CHFA is an Equal Opportunity Lender. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. For more information about CHFA, nondiscrimination, and other legal notices please visit chfainfo.com.