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Lakewood budgets staff, navigation and shelter work as part of broader homelessness, housing strategy
Summary
Staff outlined navigation center renovations, expanded encampment cleanup operations, temporary sheltering allowances in updated codes and progress toward expedited 90-day review of affordable housing projects and inclusionary zoning work.
Lakewood’s community development and housing staff described ongoing and planned actions to address homelessness and to increase affordable housing supply, including navigation center renovations, expanded outreach and zoning updates.
Presenters said the navigation center is being renovated to operate year-round and provide shelter 365 days per year, with staffing and operations plans under development. The city’s CAT team (homeless navigators) continues to provide resources and outreach and the city said it conducts weekly encampment cleanups with an outside consultant. Staff also said Lakewood participates in regional efforts with Jefferson County and neighboring cities for joint funding of cold-weather sheltering and services.
On land acquisition and housing supply, staff said city efforts in 2025 included assessing properties for purchase to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing and developing code changes that allow certain temporary shelters (for example, pallet shelters) and that expand matter-of-right housing options through zoning updates.
Staff described a streamlined review process for affordable housing that aims to deliver a 90-day review window for qualifying projects as required by state law. The proposal also includes a recommended grant-funded affordable housing planner to implement process improvements and technology enhancements to speed permit review and reduce friction for affordable housing projects. Staff said CDBG and economic development funds will support eviction prevention and single-family rehabilitation work.
The presenter said the city is working toward inclusionary zoning policy options and continued consideration of an affordable housing fund to provide ready capital for projects.
Ending: Councilors asked for additional detail about coordination with regional partners and funding sources; staff said work would continue with the Housing Policy Commission and additional options will be brought forward in the coming months.
