Aspen, Snowmass conduct housing survey

Carolyn Sackariason
The Aspen Times
Aspen, CO Colorado
April 2, 2008

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ASPEN — Local governments will spend $44,500 to find out what residents think about employee housing.

The cost will be shared by the city of Aspen, the town of Snowmass Village and the Aspen-Pitkin County Housing Authority.

Both communities have hired Boulder-based consulting firm RRC Associates to conduct surveys of their residents, public-sector employers and private businesses, commuting employees, and full- and part-time homeowners. RRC Associates is a consulting firm that provides market research and strategic analysis.

The study will attempt to identify who lives in employee housing, how and if their needs are met, and employees who want to live in the communities where they work but cannot afford it.

“The links between growth and future housing needs also will be examined by the study so that resources can be devoted to preserving the balance between jobs and housing,” said Cindy Christensen, operations manager for the housing authority.

Housing surveys are done about every five years to keep up on current trends.

“Surveys are nothing new to the Roaring Fork Valley, but this effort is unique in that it looks more closely at issues that are becoming increasingly significant, like where employees want to live when they retire,” Christensen said. “Since seasonal employees are getting ready to leave and locals are ready to give up powder for some sunshine, RRC will be pushing hard to get surveys fielded and completed during the first two weeks of April.”

Incentives are being offered to increase the response rates and to add interest to the overall effort. They include drawings for gift certificates for groceries and recreation passes.

Surveys will be distributed through a variety of methods.

Employees could receive them where they work or while they’re riding the bus to and from their jobs. They might find them on their doorknobs or placed on their windshields. Thousands of residents and employees who live downvalley will be given the chance to weigh in on their housing needs and desires.

Employees who do not receive a survey but would like to complete one can do so online at http://rrcinfo.com/housing08/ or through the city’s website at www.aspenpitkin.com.

Employers of all types will also be surveyed and have the option to fill out a paper version of the two-page questionnaire or complete it online at http://rrcinfo.com/employer08/

csack@aspentimes.com