Governor Polis Discusses Housing Affordability and Reducing Costs in Visit to Grand Junction
Governor shares vision for housing options Coloradans can afford near jobs and transit, an even stronger Colorado economy, and strengthening Colorado’s workforce
GRAND JUNCTION - Today, Governor Polis traveled to Grand Junction to deliver a local state of the state address to the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce and made stops focused on breaking down barriers to housing, strengthening the local economy, and increasing transit options.
This morning, Governor Polis participated in a Circular Economy Roundtable Discussion with the Business Incubator Center, which promotes economic development. The roundtable discussion focused on innovative practices to help make Colorado’s booming economy more sustainable.
“Colorado has one of the strongest economies in the nation and we know that Grand Junction and the Western Slope are an essential part of our state’s success. Today's discussion focused on innovative strategies to reduce housing costs, create even more good paying jobs, and help small businesses succeed. Together we can get it done,” said Governor Polis.
Following the roundtable discussion, Governor Polis delivered a local State of the State address to the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce where he outlined his vision for more housing Coloradans can afford near job centers and transportation options. The Governor also emphasized Colorado’s work to make the state safer, strengthen Colorado’s workforce, and ensure students have the opportunities and tools they need to get good-paying jobs.
“In just two years, our great state will turn 150 and to ensure our state remains the best place to live, raise a family, and launch a business, we need to work together to make our state, including the Western Slope, more affordable. Housing and transit continue to be the issues we hear about most as I travel around Colorado, and why they remain top priorities as we approach Colorado’s 150th birthday,” said Governor Polis.
This afternoon, Governor Polis toured Låda Cube, a Grand Junction manufacturer of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). ADUs are a popular tool, supported by 78% of Coloradans, to help address Colorado’s housing needs. Housing affordability is top of mind for the Governor and Coloradans of all walks of life. With 87% of Coloradans saying the state does not have affordable housing options and 70% of Coloradans believing their local government is not doing enough, Governor Polis is committed to removing barriers and building more housing that working Coloradans can afford near job centers and transit hubs.
“Låda Cube is helping Colorado address housing shortages through the construction of innovative ADUs. These popular housing units are a powerful tool at our fingertips to help provide Coloradans housing they can afford. I am grateful for the innovative work being done at Låda Cube, and I am excited to see homeowners who want to construct ADUs being able to do so with less red tape and cost,” said Governor Polis.
Before departing, Governor Polis joined Breeze Airways to announce new direct service from Grand Junction Regional Airport to Orange County - Santa Ana California. As Breeze Airways' first destination in Colorado, this expansion further connects Colorado and Grand Junction to the rest of the country, creating new opportunities for tourism and business for visitors and Coloradans alike.
“This new service from Grand Junction to Orange County and soon San Francisco provides Coloradans with new low-cost travel options and visitors with new ways to see Colorado’s iconic Western Slope. I am thrilled to see this expansion and am excited to see the positive impact on Grand Junction's economy. I look forward to continuing to do everything I can to support more airlines expanding service for Grand Junction with low-cost and convenient service,” said Governor Polis.
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