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Council approves $450,000 for West Mountain 'Good Deeds' pilot to convert homes to deed‑restricted workforce housing
Summary
Council voted to contribute $450,000 (budgeted) to the West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition's 'Good Deeds' pilot program, intended to convert free‑market homes to deed‑restricted workforce housing across the Roaring Fork Valley; proponents described a regional funding pool of $1.55M and set program rules (local employment verification, 3% annual appreciation cap). Mayor Tory voted no.
Aspen City Council approved a $450,000 contribution for a regional pilot program run by the West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition to convert free‑market housing into deed‑restricted workforce units. Presenters said the coalition has raised $1.55 million from participating local governments and launched the program; the city’s proposed contribution would be drawn from the city’s .015 fund as budgeted.
Coalition representatives described program mechanics: properties will be deed‑restricted with resale price appreciation capped at 3% annually, buyers must demonstrate local employment (including a requirement for primary residence and no other residential property ownership), and annual recertification will verify continued employment. The coalition framed the pilot as a way to address the “missing middle” workforce needs across the valley; council members discussed oversight, enforcement of resale requirements, and whether program funds should prioritize Aspen‑specific workers. Several councilors asked how success will be measured; the coalition plans annual reporting to funding partners and an end‑of‑year evaluation.
Council debated the appropriate Aspen contribution and potential alternative uses of city housing funds. After discussion the motion to fund $450,000 passed on roll call 4–1 (Mayor Tory opposed). Staff indicated this is a pilot, with the coalition reporting outcomes and the city evaluating future participation based on performance.
