Pitkin County to consider $1 million for West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition 'Good Deeds' buy-down program

Pitkin County commissioners on April 8 heard a presentation from the West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition (WMRHC) on its Good Deeds buy-down program and signaled support for a near-term county contribution. Staff and coalition leaders asked the board to consider using funds from the county's recently approved 1.5‑mill housing property tax to expand the program.

County staff explained the county’s newly established housing property tax (a 1.5‑mill levy approved by voters for 25 years) and how the county budget allocated a portion of 2025 funds to partnerships. The 2025 budget included funds set aside to allow rapid responses to partner requests; staff told the board there is money currently available in the partnership allocation should the board choose to act quickly.

April Long, Executive Director of WMRHC, described the Good Deeds program as a buy-down model that converts free-market homes to permanently affordable units by placing a capped deed restriction on the property. The coalition pays roughly 30% of a home's purchase price while the buyer provides the remaining…