Officials plan attainable housing and broadband expansion for Lyman and Sterling facilities

On March 14, 2025, the P3 Subcommittee of the Colorado Department of Personnel & Administration convened to discuss critical initiatives aimed at enhancing housing affordability and broadband access in the state. The meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to address community needs through public-private partnerships.

A significant focus of the meeting was on affordable housing development. The subcommittee discussed a new project that mandates that 20% of housing units be designated for individuals earning 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or less. This initiative aims not only to provide affordable housing but also to explore the concept of "attainable housing," which could cater to a broader range of income levels. To facilitate this, a technical advisor will be brought on board to assess the feasibility of developing such housing complexes. The subcommittee expressed optimism about the timeline, aiming to release a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) within three months, leveraging a successful template established during a previous project in Lakewood.

In addition to housing, the meeting addressed the DOC Broadband Project, which aims to expand internet access in correctional facilities. The project, funded by a grant from the Denver Foundation, has already seen successful installation of broadband infrastructure at the Lyman facility, with ongoing work at the Sterling facility. The subcommittee is currently awaiting analytics on telehealth usage resulting from the new broadband capabilities, which could significantly enhance healthcare access for inmates. The project at Sterling is expected to commence within the next few weeks, with a completion timeline of approximately six months.

The discussions underscored the subcommittee's commitment to improving community resources through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions. As these projects progress, they hold the potential to significantly impact housing availability and digital access in Colorado, addressing pressing needs within the community. The next steps will involve further collaboration with stakeholders and monitoring the implementation of these initiatives.