[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6455001,"mediaKeyId","5856868-0c4030d69a3b600a5436209e0e09e332","parentId",5856868,"title","Commissioners press housing solutions as Adams County faces shortfall of thousands of units","audioSeconds",895,"startMs",1773000,"endMs",2668000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5856868-0c4030d69a3b600a5436209e0e09e332&start=1773&end=2668","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5856868-0c4030d69a3b600a5436209e0e09e332/thumbnail_1773000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6455001/Adams-County/Colorado/Commissioners-press-housing-solutions-as-Adams-County-faces-shortfall-of-thousands-of-units","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455001-72fa85ffb1c002e798c6f66680b7e88f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770393491&Signature=YdVC5zCLTzuaPPUm4j9gp1SB270Bd~e2PeXLST3x7apxyoQ8aXZ2AqwvCAkLv3YpBlRM6e1mVDCjU2eKDdY61VfnoW8kCiPlRTkSz8fceMyXqKR25PC02qAfyqvomsHktLVsVE854Q2wVAe~jZ~~OBFdxAoli5ToKRhC7R9crKAxv94gvXzEA4CKqnEn7TQR4ZYy4ywJcRmJw2oA1lzuQVpQMSHaiN7RMe3j7QJtY8rPmcJWMY7xg3eQVWGsFm~117p~3OGXadeKtsb3inNW~PD5qgCIWGriOQY5vxoQPonXIFZr3V6dkhVO27JQxF9lF1fIZm6phcZxwY1YMPU9wg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Adams County","date","2025-09-30T11:38:19Z","article","Adams County commissioners told a business town hall that housing availability across a range of price points — including entry‑level and workforce housing — is an urgent regional problem and a priority for county action and partnerships.

Commissioners said the county is participating in a regional housing needs assessment and working with Maker Housing Partners (the county’s housing authority) and municipal partners. Commissioner Lynn Baca said the county is part of a regional assessment led by Dr. Cobb and described the assessment as the first step toward identifying what types of housing are needed.

Julie Duran Molica and Kathy Henson described policy levers the county and its municipal partners can use: permitting reforms, graduated impact fees, lot-size and design considerations to reduce construction costs and encourage attainable housing types such as condominiums, townhomes and smaller-lot single‑family units.

Commissioners and attendees also discussed the role of local zoning and public engagement. Henson said a recent zoning change vote failed for an 81‑unit Maker Housing Partners project; the project would have targeted teachers, police officers and firefighters, she said, which illustrates the intersection of local land‑use decisions and workforce housing outcomes.

Speakers cited quantity targets and timeframes: one commissioner said Adams County is “underbuilt by 7,900” housing units needed by 2030. They described barriers that include construction costs, development standards and community opposition in some jurisdictions.

Why it matters: County leaders said a shortage of housing affordable to workers at a range of income levels directly affects employers’ ability to recruit and retain staff and shapes commuting and growth patterns across neighboring municipalities.

Ending: Commissioners said they will use regular intergovernmental meetings and issue‑focused convenings — including a proposed housing‑focused convening of mayors, council members and developers — to pursue targeted changes that could improve housing supply.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Adams County Business Town Hall","oneSentenceSummary","County leaders said housing—entry-level, workforce and affordable options—is the county’s top community challenge; they cited a regional housing needs assessment and municipal zoning as critical pieces of the solution.","taxTitle","Adams County, Colorado","taxId",4150,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6455005,"Adams County frames workforce, transportation and spaceport as top economic priorities",1063,67000,1130000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5856868-0c4030d69a3b600a5436209e0e09e332&start=67&end=1130","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5856868-0c4030d69a3b600a5436209e0e09e332/thumbnail_67000.jpg","/articles/6455005/Adams-County/Colorado/Adams-County-frames-workforce-transportation-and-spaceport-as-top-economic-priorities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455005-e571016d264aa125b63018549615de08/orig.mp4?Expires=1770393491&Signature=C7umWBZD~loYoM6rRYrQIqqJIFQ6lnnJSPPOF-8yM35V12TnLDTVvzxPK-pJAiqXWuaRFyexlkwM8kMbq2ldq-U0lPDRLaRG5TcSzXT8TIfV-hQr~pFQZMtk7-kBXSAA9CYrmm8j2xO8KN02HMXKWmLMffaIHo3jKAFrwtFRc0IhbgHYX21fFix7gAbpbdT50bJy~z2BBEk~Dhh7OgXRAudXb2MX-P2ppm3J855mBGtTIJCuccJeXffqUvbn23eMOfULddr2GBTiUDtNYaUotXFklb15klvvE78NGY~5SBR~QeGo~IgxuwE2jDvsAGrGOX4JIVIiNN6nN7AOqWG4TQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Adams County commissioners said workforce development, transportation capacity and growth tied to the Colorado Air and Space Port are their top economic priorities as the county prepares for continued regional expansion.

At a Oct. 20 business town hall, Lynn Baca, chair of the Adams County Board of Commissioners, said the county’s median age is 35 and stressed the county’s role in regional commerce: “All the land surrounding Denver National Airport is in Adams County,” Baca said, tying airport- and logistics‑related growth to county planning needs. Commissioners and staff repeatedly cited the county’s transportation corridors, rail lines and proximity to the airport when explaining economic strategy.

The county described workforce development as central to attracting and retaining employers. Commissioners emphasized partnerships with higher education and local workforce agencies to connect residents to jobs in manufacturing, logistics and aerospace. “How do we connect our young people to good paying jobs?” Baca asked during the session.

Jenny Hall, director of Community and Economic Development, described the department’s integrated model, which groups permitting, incentives and development navigation under one umbrella so businesses “will help you navigate that and get quicker answers to your questions.” Commissioners and staff said improving permitting navigation and interdepartmental “warm handoffs” is a near-term priority to reduce delays for developers and employers.

Commissioners noted the Colorado Air and Space Port — repeatedly referenced as a regional economic driver — and said the county is coordinating with state and regional partners on aviation- and aerospace‑focused workforce pipelines.

Why it matters: The county projects continued private-sector investment adjacent to major transport nodes and the spaceport, which will raise demand for trained labor, road and rail capacity, and permitting responsiveness. County leaders said they are in budget discussions and are planning further engagement with municipalities, school districts and workforce partners to align training and infrastructure with employer needs.

Ending: Commissioners said they will continue convening partners, host additional topic-focused sessions and keep businesses informed via county constituent services and partner organizations such as the Adams County Regional Economic Partnership (ACREP).","County commissioners and staff told a business-focused town hall that workforce development, transportation infrastructure and growth around the Colorado Air and Space Port are top economic priorities over the next three to five years.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6454989,"Developer: Rocky Mountain Rail Park cites $100M investment, praises Adams County permitting and engagement",302,2776000,3078000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5856868-0c4030d69a3b600a5436209e0e09e332&start=2776&end=3078","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5856868-0c4030d69a3b600a5436209e0e09e332/thumbnail_2776000.jpg","/articles/6454989/Adams-County/Colorado/Developer-Rocky-Mountain-Rail-Park-cites-100M-investment-praises-Adams-County-permitting-and-engagement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454989-323868394e7cc5f566d584692b481389/orig.mp4?Expires=1770393491&Signature=dLfSGZ3T3VikRetUBxRAEEsTt~NTphRlf3kjGSUf6puUXP25Aq2vbTmqx1hrCnaKRGb82G22QeKE~0fv~426cPHV9xX2UBKqSItIFU0DujFfxZjCeQIAt5wfiV910x027iiEoyaFZbjHqg9z512lME38BZT6-XyyvBVmMgm1d16V31NPkOnh0Tjmd2xVWXoHsCJrkmzw5K75HfIJxkJSI3EN3MHeUnMtCOFpLrGEmFdPZg~Gd~NPPnsn2RIHwTM4RUDxGBS5jUtbwbP7SEq3eOL--xn4Ap4RP-4HT~DIya7tEvf4DvRSfVPBXluWuuyMgDf6EcS9YVp5meiC1dk0cQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Brian Fallon, CEO of Rocky Mountain Industrials, told the Adams County business town hall that his company is completing construction at the Rocky Mountain Rail Park and commended county staff for responsiveness and problem‑solving.

Fallon described the industrial park as a 620‑acre, rail‑served industrial development located between Watkins and Bennett, about a mile‑and‑a‑half north of Interstate 70. He said the project will have invested “more than a $100,000,000 of capital into this project” and noted the park’s role as an eastern neighbor to the Colorado Air and Space Port. Fallon said tenants recently praised Adams County staff for the county’s engagement during a tenant groundbreaking and lease process.

Why it matters: Large industrial parks create construction jobs, lease activity and long‑term logistics capacity that can support regional supply chains and airport‑related aerospace activity. Fallon said efficient county engagement helped accelerate tenant interest.

Ending: The developer urged continued collaboration between the county, ACREP and economic‑development partners to attract and retain industrial tenants.","The CEO of Rocky Mountain Industrials described the 620‑acre Rocky Mountain Rail Park and praised Adams County staff for responsiveness during a lengthy development and leasing process.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6454992,"County, colleges and employers push paid internships and work-based learning to build local pipeline",250,3394000,3644000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5856868-0c4030d69a3b600a5436209e0e09e332&start=3394&end=3644","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5856868-0c4030d69a3b600a5436209e0e09e332/thumbnail_3394000.jpg","/articles/6454992/Adams-County/Colorado/County-colleges-and-employers-push-paid-internships-and-work-based-learning-to-build-local-pipeline","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454992-cc8faefb963d114c790593d672c7f22c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770393491&Signature=DP6J1TPUUx2afJd9xwQNiXwoFZwjBImU826VgUvozj7IiEkL1n9p2LIEI79bgQkSNtY0MOdWDHbQ5M9Ezmhsby4PO~YsL3niLsWkxYQVwZD~hULLjyzmKWglZE9CHX8JRnaOIpymNngUSXuprXKNUJMo-9MqHFk3i1JTo~IghdN9CRKSeWWMghs7OLOAqSDDLUYbMqXQODHJ0kXwCsrs3-geb~enHxuzAwBbGKWFdbsmVvaOtInoMSVdJEU55AcddeeoQZddESUKrhqkTlcjABQ3HL0k~WC8Y5FywNV72lXIS0xmDstsw9zI4w~ENumiyhn39TGJB96ozNOcIzHAzQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Local education and workforce representatives urged Adams County and employers to expand paid internships and work‑based learning so students can access in‑county career pathways.

Shannon Hancock, executive director of the 5 Star Education Foundation for Adams 12 schools, told commissioners that the district struggled to find internships without traveling outside the county and asked what incentives the county could provide to expand paid positions. Commissioners and county partners said transportation and employer capacity are common barriers.

Commissioners and partners described existing resources and partnerships. Jenny Hall and county staff pointed to the integrated Community and Economic Development model to help coordinate employer requests. Lisa Huff (ACREP) and Jack Buffington (DU Center for Excellence) said higher-education partners and workforce centers are prepared to convene employers and help design work‑based learning models. “Our goal…was asking all the companies in the room to create just 1 work based learning job,” Huff said of a recent workforce event.

Why it matters: Paid internships and CTE pathways can give local students practical experience, help employers recruit trained talent and reduce commuting burdens that make internships cost‑prohibitive for students.

Ending: County officials said they will continue convening workforce partners, higher education and employers — and recommended employers contact county staff, workforce centers and local colleges for technical help setting up paid internships.","Commissioners, partners and education representatives urged more paid internships and coordinated work‑based learning to help local students access nearby jobs; transportation and employer capacity were highlighted as barriers.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6454996,"Data centers draw questions over energy, water and pending state legislation",102,3782000,3884000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5856868-0c4030d69a3b600a5436209e0e09e332&start=3782&end=3884","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5856868-0c4030d69a3b600a5436209e0e09e332/thumbnail_3782000.jpg","/articles/6454996/Adams-County/Colorado/Data-centers-draw-questions-over-energy-water-and-pending-state-legislation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454996-ebe4a6d722abd4fa6bf3d3deaeb685d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770393491&Signature=SlNr9hxyCHzyEgjhtA3rKoLIhPOjeZv9Yl4avzuPN-RKb934Kn1mJ3cx0iqZKyRjhSp6a5zfb9gCGNH1PfKEJ56xDQQSOxS6FBF5mo859lPttlvMIbeLFpSWK6t5tcJeAIPeOuYBEZPDHf-UsqrGwc3-4EcJ9gbB0zR30zZ-TytuFmQNTruvm3PulDyEUaI-pIt-LbZsxf~ju-cv53s7TQlWu-5RSqaSlo8saELf5h76D52gW-XuT4pJpAfBda-EK7U8Xl3W1ZVTxnmTYEdMxbGYlnAhNs8VSXE2ZPel5nt1qmwZ~IWZ44altpkH15PXibcZH2bRsMGKy2rmBuRhrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Local business leaders asked county officials how Adams County will approach data center development as construction softening and new markets for data centers emerge.

At the town hall, commissioners noted several constraints for data centers: energy availability, water use, and land‑use suitability. One commissioner said “there is gonna be a bill this next session, specifically on data centers that we all should be watching and that this board is gonna be engaging on,” indicating the county will monitor and engage on state-level legislative work in this area.

Speakers said conversations about data centers must weigh energy requirements and alternative cooling technologies to reduce demand. A member of the audience raised cybersecurity and digital infrastructure as additional considerations for hosting such facilities.

Why it matters: Data centers can bring construction activity and long‑term nonresidential tax base, but they require significant utility capacity and have regulatory interfaces at the state and local levels. Commissioners said the county will follow legislative developments and coordinate with utilities and developers.

Ending: County officials advised stakeholders to track the incoming legislative session and to participate in county study sessions and hearings where data center-related topics are discussed.","Business attendees asked how Adams County will approach recruiting data centers amid concerns about energy, water and pending state bills; commissioners said the county is monitoring legislative work and utility constraints.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners press housing solutions as Adams County faces shortfall of thousands of units

Adams County frames workforce, transportation and spaceport as top economic priorities

Developer: Rocky Mountain Rail Park cites $100M investment, praises Adams County permitting and engagement

County, colleges and employers push paid internships and work-based learning to build local pipeline

Data centers draw questions over energy, water and pending state legislation