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. 

Staff Housing Development (2.5 acres near Sleeping Giant School)

In April 2025, SSSD issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking partners to help create staff housing. Four proposals were received and reviewed by a nine-member committee that included representation from the surrounding neighborhoods. After interviewing three finalists, the district selected Rural Homes, led by Paul Major, for their proven track record of delivering successful workforce housing projects in other Colorado communities, including Ouray.

The Plan

The updated plan will feature 21 units for rent instead of 22, with 20 garages, at the same overall cost.  Based on a recent staff housing interest survey, the district is proposing the following unit mix: 

• 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 finalize the rental priorities, but the current plan recommends:

1. District staff

2. To be further considered by the Board of Education - local workforce partners, including police, fire, the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, and Colorado Mountain College

Rentals would follow the same priority “waterfall.” The Yampa Valley Housing Authority (YVHA) would assist with this process, using the hospital’s lottery system as a model.

Community Compatibility & Design

The proposed townhomes are designed to blend seamlessly into the character of the surrounding neighborhood. 

Key Issues to Resolve

While progress has been made, the project cannot move forward until core infrastructure questions are addressed.

• 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.

• Once those issues are addressed, the district will move into the entitlement process with the City.

Board Support

All members of the Board of Education expressed support for the project at the Board of Education meeting on August 11, 2025 and again when they approved the MOU on September 8. However, their support is contingent on resolving water and sewer service to the parcel.

What’s Next

Over the coming months, the district will:

• The Housing Committee will review interior finishes and configurations.

• Continue working with Rural Homes and community partners on infrastructure solutions.

• 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.  Upcoming agenda items for our Board of Education meetings are posted on our website. 

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.