Boulder surpasses 4000 affordable housing units toward 15% city goal

The Boulder City Housing Advisory Board convened on July 23, 2025, to discuss significant developments and challenges in the local housing market, particularly focusing on affordable and middle-income housing. The meeting highlighted the city's progress in increasing the number of affordable housing units while addressing the ongoing challenges in the housing continuum.

The discussion opened with a review of Boulder’s achievements in affordable housing, noting that the city has surpassed 4,000 affordable units, which represents 8.7% of all housing units. This progress is seen as a step towards the city’s goal of having 15% of housing units classified as permanently affordable. A significant portion of these units—over 3,000—are rental properties, which cater to households earning between 30% and 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

Board members expressed concerns regarding the lack of middle-income housing options, particularly for those earning around $130,000. The conversation revealed that there is a scarcity of single-family homes priced under $500,000, with new townhomes often exceeding $1.5 million. This gap in the market raises questions about the availability of naturally occurring affordable housing, which is not deed-restricted but may be more affordable due to factors like age or size.

The board also discussed the role of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in providing affordable rental options. A previous survey indicated that ADUs tend to be priced at around 80% of AMI, making them a viable option for many residents. However, the board acknowledged the need for ongoing data collection to better understand the impact of ADUs on the housing market.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored both the successes and challenges facing Boulder in its pursuit of affordable housing solutions. The board emphasized the importance of continued investment and innovative strategies to address the needs of middle-income households, while also recognizing the significant contributions of ADUs to the overall housing landscape. Future discussions will likely focus on refining policies and gathering more data to support these initiatives.