On Thursday, a big announcement was made regarding a statewide effort to bring more affordable housing to artists in rural mountain towns. Colorado Creative Industries has selected Paonia over Carbondale to receive money for the northwest region's initiative.
Paonia will work with the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) and the nonprofit Artspace to develop more affordable housing for its creative sector workers.
While Carbondale will not get the state designation, it has been awarded enough funds to move forward with a market study and needs assessment for affordable housing.
“The town of Carbondale received a grant for $25,000 from the Department of Local Affairs," explained Amy Kimberly, Carbondale Arts' executive director.
"The town has agreed to put in another $20,000, and the Carbondale Creative District is coming in with $5,000, so that we can match the DOLA money," she continued. "Hopefully we'll come out with some really good information and vision out of that $50,000.”
Carbondale and Crested Butte were in the running for this region’s program. Paonia was ultimately chosen because they showed more need.