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Council adopts policy agenda after pointed debate over DEI and 'affordable' vs. 'workforce' housing
Summary
Staff presented updates to Aspen's regional/state/federal policy agenda; councilors debated removing DEIB language and substituting 'workforce housing' for 'affordable housing'. After exchanges, council passed Resolution 138 with the document's updates.
City attorney's office staff and the city manager presented a draft regional, state and federal policy agenda with minor edits including added language on construction-defect legislation and mental-health policy. Councilor Bill asked for multiple edits and proposed replacing the term 'affordable housing' with 'workforce housing' throughout the document; he also urged removal of a DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging) section.
The conversation grew pointed: proponents of retaining DEIB language argued it was important to maintain inclusive practices for residents and visitors, while opponents said DEIB initiatives can have problematic effects in practice. After discussion, council moved to pass Resolution 138; roll-call votes recorded majority support and the resolution passed. Staff and councilors noted additional copy edits and minor punctuation fixes would be addressed.
