About The Pikes Peak Housing Network
This work involves the establishment of a regional culture that housing affordability is essential to a healthy economy, quality of life, attractive workforce environment and personal health. A critical component will be its partnership with the business community, local governments, affordable and market rate developers, philanthropists, and nonprofits to remove barriers to housing at all price points.
The Chamber & EDC was selected as host for PPHN due to its understanding that housing affordability is influenced by factors such as income, education and health and its commitment to PPHN’s vision that everyone in the Pikes Peak Region has the opportunity for a safe, stable and attainable place to call home.
PPHN’s founding is the result of significant volunteer-led work since 2018 by the Affordable Housing Collaborative, Apartment Association of Southern Colorado, the Chamber & EDC, Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs, Housing & Building Association and Pikes Peak Realtors Association.
“The Chamber & EDC is a perfect fit for the work of Pikes Peak Housing Network as a network and collaborative connector focused on the complex issue of housing affordability. Besides meeting the basic needs of people, affordable housing at all income levels is critical to economic development and the attraction of jobs to the region. Our community has a history of partners, like PPHN, working together to solve problems,” said Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, President and CEO of the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC.
According to February 2023 Colorado Springs Housing Affordability Study from the Common Sense Institute, “The housing deficit in 2022 in Colorado Springs is in the range of 10,614 to 21,150 units. To meet population growth by 2028 and close the housing deficit, between 28,000 and 39,000 housing
units will need to be built.” That means that between 4,730 and 6,485 permits are needed annually through 2028.” https://commonsenseinstituteco.org/colorado-springs-housing/
PPHN’s work will be overseen by a Leadership Council that includes Chairperson David Lord, David Lord Investments Inc.; Vice Chairperson Lee Patke, Greccio Housing Executive Director; David Dazlich, VP of Government Affairs for Chamber & EDC; Randi Davis, El Paso County Housing Analyst; Susan Edmondson, Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs CEO; Thomas Garmong, Oakwood Homes Division President; Steve Posey, City of Colorado Springs Chief Housing Officer; and Ben Anderson, Solid Rock CDC Executive Director.
About the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC
The Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC is a 501(c)6 membership association serving as the area’s largest chamber of commerce and economic development organization. The Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC works to build and maintain a superior business climate in which companies of all kinds can thrive. It supports existing and future local businesses to fuel a diverse economy and high quality of life. Learn more at www.cscedc.com.
About the Foundation for Colorado Springs Future The Foundation for Colorado Springs’ Future, Inc. (FCSF) is a 501(c)3 donor-driven fund, designated in the Enterprise Zone, serving as a charitable foundation for the purposes of growing and diversifying the economy of the greater Colorado Springs, Colorado area and in connection therewith to create and enhance incentives for business to expand, locate and provide job opportunities within the geographic boundaries of El Paso County. FCSF exists to lessen the burdens of government by aiding and assisting the City of Colorado Springs, El Paso County, and the State of Colorado in their efforts to enhance and grow the employee base within the Colorado Springs Metropolitan Area through the recruitment and retention of employers and talent committed to the Pikes Peak community.