BOCC approves $1 million from new property‑tax housing fund for Good Deeds program

Pitkin County commissioners voted April 23 to approve a resolution authorizing a $1,000,000 grant from the county’s recently enacted property‑tax housing revenue to the West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition for the coalition’s Good Deeds program.

County housing staff and coalition executive director April Long explained the program to the board: Good Deeds buys down the price of market homes for qualifying local workers and records a permanent deed restriction that limits the resale price to keep the home permanently affordable to local earners. Coalition staff said the program is development‑neutral (it uses existing housing stock) and has moved nine homes into long‑term affordability in the last seven months using previous funding.

Coalition director April Long said a $1,000,000 investment would likely preserve an estimated three to five additional homes under the program and might house four to eight local workers. Staff noted program rules require local employment and continued local residency. Commissioners discussed the program’s design, resale formulas (a 3% annual cap tied to the deed restriction, currently allowed in similar county programs), match opportunities and possible future budget asks. Commissioner Greg moved approval; Commissioner Francie seconded. The resolution passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: The grant is an early use of the county’s new housing property‑tax revenue and is intended to provide immediate, permanent affordable homeownership opportunities for local workers rather than waiting for new construction. Staff said the coalition could spend the funds quickly — possibly by July — and that the county has budget direction to consider additional allocations in 2026.

What's next: Staff and coalition leaders will finalize the grant agreement and return for required second reading; coalition staff said they will also explore match opportunities (local and private) to leverage county funds.