Salida Gets Creative with Workforce Housing Solutions
It’s no secret that the lack of workforce housing in Salida has reached critical levels. It affects local businesses and their ability to retain employees and threatens operating hours and potential business closures. As the cost of living rises, renters are being priced out of the market, and affordable units are nearly nonexistent.
The City has recently taken numerous steps toward increasing the supply of affordable housing units scheduled to be built over the next several years by:
- Streamlining inclusionary housing policies
- Collaborating with the Chaffee Housing Trust
- Reducing fees for rental and affordable units
- Relaxing certain zoning restrictions
However, with the spring and summer tourist season quickly approaching, the immediate need for more workforce housing units is dire. And while these steps are intended to help alleviate the housing shortage in the future, it’s clear that more inventory is needed now to bridge the affordable housing gap.
The City is turning to creative solutions to help solve the workforce housing crisis. On Tuesday, May 3, 2022, City Council approved an addition to a previous agreement between the City of Salida and the Chaffee Housing Authority (CHA). The new agreement establishes the Open Doors RV Rental Program, which states the City will purchase 10 recreational vehicle units (RVs) as long-term rentals for eligible workers for six consecutive months. The initial cost to purchase 10 RVs is $250,000, which will be spent from funds the City received as part of the Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Interested Salida-area businesses, entities or individuals will soon be able to apply to the program, and employees will be eligible to apply to be a tenant in the program. If chosen, participating employers will pay a $250 fee to CHA for administrative costs per month per employee.
The RVs will be owned by the City and placed on selected sites at the Salida RV Resort. The City will serve as the Master Lessee, and the Salida RV Resort will be the Lessor, with the City paying the Salida RV Resort $643 per month per unit.
The Chaffee Housing Authority will manage and operate the RV program, including oversight of marketing, application processing and pairing tenants with roommates, and managing administrative fees and coordination with local businesses whose workforce is part of the program.
Program details are still being finalized, and interested residents are encouraged to contact the City of Salida or the Chaffee Housing Authority with questions.
