Affordable Housing Project Updates

Affordable housing remains one of the most pressing challenges in Steamboat Springs, and the Steamboat Springs School District is committed to developing sustainable, long-term solutions for our teachers and staff. As with any project of this scale, the district is taking a careful and responsible approach as it evaluates next steps.

Developing housing of this scale requires careful planning, clear cost information, and resolved infrastructure challenges. The district is taking a deliberate and responsible approach to ensure any future project is feasible, fiscally sound, and aligned with community expectations.

Staff Housing Development (2.5 acres near Sleeping Giant School)

In April 2025, the district issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking partners to assist with the development of staff housing on district-owned land near Sleeping Giant School. Multiple proposals were reviewed by a committee that included representation from surrounding neighborhoods.

As the project advanced, the district determined it did not yet have the level of cost certainty and scheduling detail needed to move forward responsibly under the proposed structure. As a result, the district has ended its partnership with Rural Homes and is reassessing the project approach.

The Plan

The district continues to plan for approximately 21 townhome units on the site, with 20 garages, at the same overall project scale. 

Based on a staff housing interest survey, the proposed unit mix includes:

• TWO – 3 bed / 2.5 bath, 1,600 sq. ft.

• TWO – 2 bed / 1 bath, 735 sq. ft.

• ONE– 4 bed / 3 bath, 1,600 sq. ft.

• EIGHT – 2 bed / 1.5 bath, 1,024 sq. ft.

• EIGHT– 3 bed / 2 bath, 1,216 sq. ft.

Sales & Rental Priorities

The Board of Education will ultimately determine any future rental or sales priorities. Earlier discussions included prioritizing district staff, with potential consideration of other local workforce partners. Any future process would be developed in coordination with appropriate housing partners and presented to the public at public meetings.

Community Compatibility & Design

The proposed townhomes are intended to be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood and reflect the character of the area. Design details would be refined as part of any future development phase.

Key Issues to Resolve

• Water infrastructure remains the most pressing issue. The Board has been clear that the project will not advance unless the water question is resolved.

• Sewer infrastructure is another critical component that will require solutions before moving forward.

Board Support

The Board of Education has expressed support for staff housing in concept, with the understanding that the project must meet infrastructure, cost, and scheduling requirements before moving forward.

What’s Next

Over the coming months, the district will:

• The District plans to reconvene its housing committee by April 1 to revisit other proposals initially received.

• The District is also evaluating additional third-party expertise to support cost analysis and project planning as it moves forward.

• Resurvey district staff to better understand current housing needs and priorities

• Keep staff, families, and community members updated as progress is made.

• Affordable housing will continue to be discussed with our Board of Education, which are all public meetings. Members of the community are always invited to participate and share their input during public comment.  

This is a long-term process, but SSSD is committed to creating housing opportunities that help our educators and staff remain a part of the Steamboat Springs community.