New Property Deals in Lakewood for Subsidized Housing and Possibly Migrants

Repost from Colorado Engaged

The video below, recorded in early February 2024, discusses Jefferson County’s plans to invest millions of dollars in taxpayer funds on Navigation Center(s) and outlines their expectations.

In particular, I recommend watching the discussion at the 15:30 mark, where Commissioner Andy Kerr shares his position that public funds should be spent on individuals regardless of where they’re from or legal status. The response from Jeffco staff highlights that, depending on the funding source and any restrictions, their approach is essentially “the more, the merrier.”

The opening section of the video touches on Proposition 123, which may be confusing for some viewers. For context, Prop 123 was narrowly approved by voters in 2022 and reallocates TABOR refunds to support government-managed, taxpayer-subsidized housing and homelessness initiatives. The video explores three main revenue streams: federal ARPA funds, Prop 123 allocations, and county public funds, which are currently capped under TABOR but could be uncapped if voters pass Measure 1A in the 2024 election.

Two major developments, in addition to schools, are being considered for government purchase. These include the Aspen Heights building at 13th & Wadsworth, which is stalled due to financing issues, and the Colorado DMV campus at Pierce & Colfax, where former State Representative Chris deGruy Kennedy is negotiating a deal to convert the property into subsidized housing.

Editor’s Note: Financing issues on the Aspen Heights property are on the developer side, not any potential deal with a government.

The video is available on my YouTube Colorado Engaged channel.

• Jeffco BOCC full discussion about millions for subsidized housing to be divided between Arvada, Lakewood, and JeffCo. About a 20 minute video.

• Jump right to Kerr’s comments about some people “politicizing” the migrant issue found at the 15:30 time mark here.

Thanks,

Natalie Menten