At its July 8 meeting, the Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation (PSCDC) Board of Directors discussed next steps in its ongoing affordable and workforce housing project.
The discussion of the next steps followed the announcement that the 10th and final home in Phase 1 of the project had sold, with potential for one of the five houses in Phase 2A to be under contract soon.
Executive Director Emily Lashbrooke noted certificates of occupancy for Phase 2A will be issued the last week of July or first week of August.
Lashbrooke noted she was working with BWD on a contract to build Phase 2B, but that she felt like she was putting the PSCDC in a position of potential liability because there was a “floor and a ceiling price,” which she can’t get a loan on.
She noted that, while she appreciated the good intentions, ultimately Housing Coordinator Jeff Sams had a good idea to go through a request for proposal process for both phases 2B and 3 to hire someone to build the next 15 homes.
Lashbrooke explained that the PSCDC would be putting out a request for proposals/qualifications July 15 to build the PSCDC’s remaining 15 homes — phases 2B and 3.
That request, she explained, will be open until Aug. 14, then a committee will review the submissions.
Lashbrooke’s written report indicates that combining phases 2B and 3 is expected to:
“• Reduce overall construction costs.
“• Improve financing stability.
“• Increase project efficiency.
“• Provide continuity with one construction partner.”
At the meeting, Lashbrooke noted it would allow the builder to purchase things at an economy of scale to keep costs lower.
After Phase 3, Lashbrooke noted, the PSCDC will be done with its commitment to housing.
Lashbrooke also explained that Habitat for Humanity of Archuleta County asked the PSCDC to donate five lots, with the PSCDC asking to be reimbursed for holding costs.
Lashbrooke added that, after the final 15 homes, the PSCDC would have four lots left that could be donated to Habitat.
“I think this is a brilliant idea,” Warren Brown said. “It will bring stability, it will take out uncertainty, and we will know whoever our partner is going to be throughout. I think that’s going to take a load off of you, Emily. It’s gonna take ... a load off the board because it’ll just be set. You know, we already passed the test for those who were waiting for us to fail. We already showed them that we’re not going to fail and we’re going to continue to do this.”
According to the request for qualifications and proposals released on Wednesday, July 15, the PSCDC is “seeking a qualified development partner to continue one of the most significant workforce housing initiatives in Southwest Colorado.
“This project represents the next phase of a long-term strategy to increase attainable homeownership opportunities for the local workforce while demonstrating how public-private partnerships can successfully address housing shortages in rural mountain communities.”
It indicates the remaining 15 homes would still be split and built five at a time.
It notes that Phase 2B will include five homes, and Phase 3 would include “Construction of ten (10) workforce homes, anticipated to proceed in two increments of five (5) homes each, subject to project funding, buyer readiness, and authorization by PSCDC.”
It adds, “The selected Developer will enter into a Design-Build Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) Construction Agreement following completion of the evaluation process and successful contract negotiations.”
Mission statement
Lashbrooke also informed the board the PSCDC was invited to submit a grant application for a $300,000 workforce development grant through the Colorado Health Foundation.
That grant, she noted, would provide industry-requested training support and funding for what called a “business navigator program.”
She indicated she was notified of the ability to apply shortly before the deadline, but was able to get it turned in.
She further explained that it is a new grant opportunity and that you have to be invited to apply.
“That was really a cool opportunity for us,” she said.
In submitting that grant, she explained, she had to submit the PSCDC’s mission statement.
Lashbrooke noted that there was an old and new mission statement in the board’s packet, adding that when she looked at the PSCDC’s “old” mission statement, it seemed outdated.
“To be quite honest, I felt a little embarrassed to submit that, knowing all the work that we have done over the last five years,” she said.
Board president Sherry Waner acknowledged the mission statement is likely more than a decade old.
Lashbrooke explained she took the organization’s existing mission statement — “The Mission of Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation is to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County by creating jobs, encouraging new capital investment, and creating a business-friendly community. In addition, CDC will work closely with existing businesses to maximize their profitability and sustainability.” — and “wordsmithed it” for the grant application.
That reworked mission statement, which Lashbrooke then presented to the board for consideration, which was included in the board packet, was “The mission of the Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation is to strengthen Archuleta County by fostering economic opportunities, supporting businesses, expanding workforce and housing solutions, attracting investment, and building partnerships that enhance the quality of life for current and future generations.”
In response to board comment, Lashbrooke clarified “Archuleta County and Pagosa Springs.”
She noted it adds in housing and wording about future generations.
Board members suggested they like the new one, but that the prior version had more specificity, which they liked.
Waner suggested mission statements are often done in a strategic planning setting, and it was suggested that a meeting be set during the winter to revisit the mission statement more when other aspects of the PSCDC’s work slows down.
Brown suggested many things aren’t up to the PSCDC to do, such as job creation, but to provide the environment and opportunity to allow businesses to do those things.
Waner pointed toward the board’s workforce development initiatives, noting it creates jobs.
Waner suggested the board needed to adopt what was presented, and further discussion centered on a work session in the future to revisit the matter.
The board voted unanimously to approve the new mission statement as presented.
randi@pagosasun.com
>