Governor Polis Delivers Regional State of the State in Glenwood Springs, Discusses Vision for Housing in Colorado

GLENWOOD SPRINGS - Today, Governor Polis delivered a local State of the State address to the Glenwood Springs Chamber of Commerce and made stops throughout the day focused on innovative housing opportunities and the importance of investing in education. 

This morning, Governor Polis stopped at Welchester Elementary School in Golden, a Colorado Bright Spot award school, to meet with staff and speak with a group of bright first-graders. 

“Welchester Elementary is a shining example of excellence in student achievement. Colorado’s schools are fostering the leaders and innovators of tomorrow and I was honored to meet and speak to some of them today,” said Governor Polis. 

This afternoon, Governor Polis visited a pilot modular housing initiative in Eagle. Sponsored by Habitat for Humanity, this development will provide 16 housing units, 75% of which will be dedicated to Eagle County School District employees who earn between 80 and 100 percent of the Area Median Income. The Governor was joined by Tim Moffet, a future homeowner, and Gypsum Creek Middle School teacher, who received his teaching license through a Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) Program. Governor Polis visited the Pikes Peak BOCES campus in Colorado Springs on Monday, highlighting the value of work-based learning and career exposure for Colorado students.

“We want every Coloradan to be able to live in the communities where they work, and innovative partnerships like this one make that possible. These housing units will help retain high-quality and passionate teachers in Eagle County. I look forward to building on this example and creating more housing opportunities for all Colorado budgets near job centers across our state,” said Governor Polis. 

Governor Polis also toured Glenwood Springs City Council member Jonathan Godes’ Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Commonly known as “casitas” or “granny flats”, ADUs can help fill gaps in the housing market and provide additional income to owners. A recent poll shows nearly 80% of Coloradans support allowing ADUs to be built on single-family properties. 

“ADUs are a highly popular and effective solution to help Colorado address our housing needs. To create a more livable Colorado we must use numerous strategies to create more housing for Coloradans that allows them to live close to work. Through his ADU, Jonathan not only provides more housing to Glenwood Springs and its local workforce but also supplements his income by renting to a long-term tenant. I look forward to making it easier for all Coloradans to exercise their property rights to build an ADU,” said Governor Polis 

Finally, Governor Polis provided his local state of the state address to the Glenwood Springs Chamber of Commerce. Emphasizing his vision for a more livable, sustainable, and affordable Colorado, the Governor focused on the need for more housing that is affordable and near jobs and transit centers, increasing affordable and convenient transportation options that get Coloradans where they need to go, making Colorado safer, and investing in our workforce to further Colorado’s strong economy. 

“We have a lot to do in the months ahead, but once again I’m optimistic that we will work together to deliver real results for Coloradans. As business and community leaders, your voices are so important to these conversations. That’s why I’m glad to speak with you all today, and look forward to continuing these important conversations moving forward,” said Governor Polis.

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