In the second part of our regular Club meeting on August 20, 2026, following the BROOMBOTS presentation, we heard from Robert Smith, Director of Economic Vitality & Development, Lisa Sacker, Housing Programs Manager and Sharon Tessier, Housing Policy Manager, all with the City and County of Broomfield (CCOB). The program focused on housing in the CCOB. 

A current priority of the CCOB is keeping housing aligned with the distribution of incomes. This is particularly challenging in view of recent increases in the costs of homes and apartments in Broomfield. Housing has been identified as the number one driver of economic success. As has been said many times, “homes are where jobs go to sleep.” On the one hand, the Area Medium Income for Broomfield is $144,000, one of the highest in the State. On the other hand, individuals and families are considered to be “cost burdened” if they spend more than 30% of their income on housing. Currently, 32% of Broomfield families are cost burdened. 

When families are not cost burdened, the benefits tend to support the economy in a variety of ways. For example, families that have discretionary income tend to spend locally. Once spent, that income multiplies locally. For example, if a family goes out to eat locally, that helps pay restaurant workers, food supplies restaurant rent, etc. Additionally, for the past 80 years, a home has been the main method by which most Americans accumulated wealth for retirement. On the other hand, seniors now make up 15% of Broomfield. They are the group most at risk for homelessness. Some seniors spend as much as 80% of their incomes on housing.

Provision of income aligned housing requires a public/private partnership. The CCOB’s housing initiatives receive funding from local, State and Federal sources. They try to obtain $6 in private spending for every dollar they receive. Sharon Tessier creates policy initiatives that align with CCOB’s priorities. Lisa Sacker insures compliance with grant requirements. 

Tessier and Sacker outlined some of the programs CCOB is running to provide affordable housing in Broomfield. One program waives certain City and/or County fees, such as water tap fees, for builders who will provide low-income housing. Another program works with lawyers to challenge predatory evictions. A third program pairs cost burdened adults with seniors. The senior provides a room in the senior’s home at a reduced rent in exchange for the adult’s performing errands that are difficult for the senior.

The presenters welcomed any ideas or suggestions anyone might have for addressing the issue of income aligned housing in Broomfield.