Prop 123, A Statewide Measure for Affordable Housing
En Espanol
What is Proposition 123?
Half of Coloradans can no longer afford to live here. As a result, we’re losing the state we love.
That's why the East County Housing Opportunity Coalition Board has unanimously voted to support Proposition 123. It's also why we've joined a growing coalition of 225+ organizations and local community leaders supporting this measure, which will be on statewide ballots this fall. We believe voting yes on Prop 123 will finally give local communities the tools we need to address Colorado's deepening housing crisis.
Without raising taxes, Prop 123 will make housing more affordable for working people by providing down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers, lowering rent, and building more affordable housing across the state. Prop 123 would do this by requiring a small portion of the state budget be set aside to help fix Colorado's housing crisis.
86% of Coloradans say the rising cost of housing is an extremely serious concern
If you'd like to join us in supporting this historic opportunity to make Colorado affordable for generations of Coloradans, you can take these steps:
Email the campaign directly at info@yeson123co.com to share your story, especially if you've experienced our housing crisis firsthand and especially if you or someone you know is an essential worker like a teacher, nurse, firefighter or first responder. While every Coloradan makes our state unique, we know these types of stories from essential workers, many of whom are vanishing from our neighborhoods due to the housing crisis, are powerful motivators for voters.
Sign up for the Prop 123 campaign newsletter, which will provide updates on the campaign as well as ways to get involved
Consider sharing these messages on your social media platforms or with your friends, family and neighbors.
No on Proposition 121
Brought to you by the same folks who advocate for TABOR and who want to "shrink government so small it can drown in your bathtub."
"(Proposition 121) would actually undo the small step Colorado has taken toward a fairer tax structure,” the Bell Policy Center said, claiming the measure would “benefit the wealthiest Coloradans” by reducing state revenue by $400 million, potentially cutting into state spending on social services."
Proposition 121 permanently removes about $400 million per year from Colorado’s budget, which can only be restored by a vote of the people.
Flat Taxes are Equal, but not Equitable. Flat income taxes impose a greater burden on lower-income individuals and families, who must reduce their spending on basic needs. Proposition 121 provides greater income to the wealthy and cuts services essential to those with moderate incomes. In fact, those with incomes greater than $1 million receive half of the $400 million tax cut. Those with incomes less than $50,000 receive less than 10% of the tax cut. THIS IS THE KIND OF TAX REFORM WE DON'T NEED!
Vote NO on Proposition 121.
ECHO Executive Director Discusses Prop 123 on KGNU
Tune in to KGNU 88.5 FM on Friday October 21, 9:00 am to hear our Executive Director, Annmarie Jensen and other locals discuss Proposition 123
The show, hosted by Kathy Partridge, will feature several folks from Boulder County who support Proposition 123 (creating a statewide fund to increase affordable and attainable housing).
Upcoming Film Screening of “A Decent Home.”
Thursday, October 19th, 6 - 8 PM AT IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH IN LAFAYETTE - 715 Cabrini Dr, Lafayette, CO
A Decent Home, by filmmaker Sara Terry, addresses urgent issues of class and economic (im)mobility through the lives of mobile home park residents. When housing that's on the lowest rung of the American Dream is being devoured by the wealthiest of the wealthy, whose dream are we serving?
For more information contact: Luz Galicia (bi-lingual) 720.480.5025; Marda Kirn (English) 303.359.3811; Immaculate Conception Church 303.665.5103.
In-law units, granny flats, or ADUs the answer to creating more affordable housing?
Throughout the country many communities have begun to encourage the development of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as a way of creating more housing. An ADU is a second dwelling unit that is on the same property as a single-family detached dwelling (primary residence). Generally the property owner must live in either the primary residence or the ADU.
This trend has not always resulted in more affordable housing. A research report by AccessoryDwellings.org shows that ADUs in high demand areas are only slightly less expensive than other properties. Additionally, low to moderate income property owners do not have the resources to build ADUs without assistance.
Boulder County Approved ADUs in the fire-impacted parts of the county. They are also allowed in original town Superior. There are many good models throughout the country of communities that have created a program to both help homeowners build ADUs as well as keep them affordable. However, they will not be affordable if steps are not taken to create affordability. For those interested in how ADUs can be a bigger part of an affordable housing strategy, here is some good research: https://accessorydwellings.org/2019/11/06/perspective-how-to-make-accessory-dwelling-units-affordable/.
Also, tune in November 7, 2022 as Louisville City Council studies ADUs for Louisville.
https://www.louisvilleco.gov/local-government/meeting-videos
Longmont Advocacy Opportunities
Longmont Housing Authority is seeking interested residents for its advisory board. Please consider this important opportunity to help shape the direction of the housing authority.
Additionally, ECHO is looking for Longmont residents who would like to serve in the first cohort of our Housing Leadership Development Training and Certification. (Better, catchier name suggestions welcomed.) This six-session class will teach residents about affordable housing, provide training on advocacy and public speaking, and give residents an opportunity to practice those skills in a real-world setting and receive a certification. More details to come. If you are interested in this opportunity, please send us an at echobouldercounty@gmail.com. We seek a diversity of folks for this opportunity and hope to see historically under-represented groups be able to participate in this project. For this training we will be offering interpretation services, a stipend, and child-care assistance for those who need it. Meals will also be provided to participants. Training is anticipated to begin early in 2023. Say tuned for more details.
