Press Release: Yampa Valley Intergovernmental Partnership Launches Housing Needs Survey – Community Input Needed
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO – In a joint intergovernmental effort sponsored by the Yampa Valley Housing Authority (YVHA) and in partnership with Routt County, the City of Steamboat Springs, the City of Craig, the Town of Hayden, the Town of Oak Creek and the Town of Yampa, community members are asked to participate in a 15-minute comprehensive Housing Needs Survey to assess and address the region’s housing challenges. All community members are encouraged to participate and share their perspectives on housing availability and affordability. The results will be integrated into the full Housing Market and Demand Study, which will be released in early summer 2025.
Our community is changing, and understanding its needs is more important than ever. This survey provides a data-driven foundation for the Housing Market and Demand study, ensuring decision-makers have the insights needed to shape future housing policies and investments. We urge everyone to participate—your voice matters, and together, we can build a stronger future for our community,” said Jason Peasley, Executive Director, Yampa Valley Housing Authority (YVHA).
The confidential survey will be conducted in two phases:
- Mailed Survey– Beginning on February 24th, 4,000 randomly selected Routt County residents will receive a paper survey in the mail. To make the survey statistically valid, surveys will be mailed through the US Postal Service to the randomly selected community members. Recipients are asked to complete and return the survey within 10 days.
- Online Survey– Starting on March 3rd, all Routt County and Craig residents and commuters from neighboring counties (Moffat, Eagle, Jackson, Grand, etc.) who work in Routt County but did not receive a mailed survey are encouraged to participate by completing the online survey at net. The survey will be open through March 31 and is available in both English and Spanish.
A dedicated community survey planning committee has been working for months to carefully design this survey. It will cover key topics such as demographics, housing characteristics, preferences, stability, and security, as well as employment, commuting, interest in relocating, and deed restrictions. Additionally, the survey includes specific questions about Brown Ranch and development on Steamboat Springs’ west side. All responses are completely confidential, and a third-party research firm will collect and analyze the data to ensure accuracy and integrity. In appreciation, all survey respondents will have the opportunity to enter a drawing to win one of five $100 gift cards.
Survey results will provide critical insights for YVHA, local governments, and partner organizations to develop and refine housing policies, programs, and solutions that reflect the needs of the community. To learn more about the survey please visit: https://yvha.org/affordable-housing-crisis/ – surveys.
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Contact:
Robin Schepper, Yampa Valley Housing Authority, communications@yvha.org
