Priced Out: Increasing access to affordable housing in JoCo is a health issue. But the politics of doing so are tough

Fast thinks affordable housing is part of a strong economy that attracts jobs.

“It’s part of an array of a strong, healthy, safe community, along with good roads and good schools,” she says. “It’s hard to attract businesses when there isn’t the housing supply to bring those businesses here.”

It’s disheartening to Fast to see residents with deep roots in her northeast district struggle. Generations of families have grown up around the same churches and schools as their grandparents. Their children can’t afford to come back, and they can’t afford to stay, threatening deep community ties that sustain health.