In a significant milestone for community development, Silverton has become the first municipality in Colorado to fulfill its affordable housing commitment under Proposition 123, achieving this goal more than a year ahead of the December 31, 2026, deadline.
Proposition 123, passed by Colorado voters, mandates a 10% increase in affordable housing within three years. For Silverton, this translated to the addition of 10 new affordable homes. The town not only met but exceeded this target, completing the project well in advance.
Anne Chase, Silverton’s Housing Coordinator, emphasized the community’s dedication: “Even though it was only 10 units in Silverton, that was a 10% increase from what we had two years ago. And so that feels like a meaningful improvement.”
The success is attributed to strong community support and proactive governance. The town’s Master Plan and a 2024 resident survey highlighted housing as a top priority, leading to focused efforts in this area.
As a result of this achievement, Silverton was awarded an additional $50,000 by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs for meeting the fast-track requirements. This funding will further support the town’s housing initiatives.
Certificates of occupancy for the new units are expected by March 3, with several homes already under contract and others available for eligible San Juan County residents.
Silverton’s accomplishment serves as a model for other communities striving to address affordable housing challenges, demonstrating the impact of collaborative efforts and strategic planning.