In January 2023, Aspen Journalism published a two–part investigative analysis of the 1,650 or so units making up the ownership inventory of the Aspen Pitkin County Housing Authority, from AJ data editor Laurine Lassalle and longtime freelance collaborator Catherine Lutz. The idea behind the project was to take stock of the component parts of what could be seen as our community’s most complex and valuable asset — a housing system that allows working locals to purchase homes at attainable prices, in exchange for agreeing to employment and wealth restrictions and accepting limits on resale value. The stories conveyed important information about the contours of the system and represented a well-balanced collaboration between Lassalle’s data grounding and Lutz’s abilities to understand and convey the experiences of people who are living the trends highlighted by the reporting. Photography by Dan Bayer helped the work jump off the page (or the screen).
This week, that same team followed up those efforts with an in-depth look at what it’s like trying to land one of APCHA’s coveted deed-restricted units. Data gathering and analysis by Lassalle is again at the reporting’s core, beginning months ago when she began compiling and sifting through 22 years worth of sales-lottery data warehoused by APCHA. Her findings showed the multitudes trying to get in and how demand historically has been higher for smaller, less expensive units. Importantly, the data shows that demand is rising — the average number of bids per housing lottery is indeed up post-COVID — and the competition for larger units is catching up with one-bedrooms. Lutz again documented the experiences of those living the story — what it’s like to bid in vain, again and again, and what changes when your number comes up. Bayer’s viewfinder helped capture the visual essence of the storyline.
While there is much to digest in the package, one thing in particular jumps out at me — in 2023, the average local work history of an APCHA lottery winner was 17 years. This is not a program for the uncommitted and it goes to show the level of dedication to this community represented by the people at its core.
So, to summarize: In the local’s favorite game of chance, where your best hope is quite literally winning the lottery, the odds tend to be long and the incentives often skewed. But demand is high for a reason and everyone has a story. Nothing takes the place of persistence.
A trio of heads-up water exclusives
Also highlighting the fine work of this nonprofit, investigative news organization, Water Desk Editor Heather Sackett finished off the month of June with three stories you won’t read anywhere else, bringing news of important developments at the heart of regional water policy and politics. The state of Colorado is convening a group of experts to provide guidance on answering the difficult question of how to ensure long-term environmental needs are accounted for in water planning. Playing heads-up ball, she also reported on how this summer’s project to drain and rehabilitate Lincoln Creek’s Grizzly Reservoir will result in more water flowing west, not just down the upper Roaring Fork but also Hunter Creek, thanks to the complex plumbing and relationships that guide transbasin diversions. And she notched another scoop on the federally funded system conservation program, with an update from last week’s Upper Colorado River Commission meeting. There, officials moved to officially begin studying how to create a savings account in Lake Powell for the compensated conserved water, just as prescribed in the controversial demand management framework that has been in the works for a decade but has yet to fully emerge. If such a tracking and savings system were established, it could be a game changer not everyone is in favor of for how water is used throughout the Colorado River’s Upper Basin. Thanks to Sackett for embedding in the water-policy world to bring us this crucial reporting.
Happy Independence Day and thank you for reading, and supporting, Aspen Journalism.
– Curtis Wackerle
Editor and Executive Director
Aspen Journalism
All you need is luck: Playing the odds in APCHA ownership lotteries
Analysis highlights scale of demand, and how it mismatches supply of unit sizes and categories
By Catherine Lutz | July 1, 2024
From 2002 through 2023, a total of 32,846 bids were made for 1,278 sales of local affordable housing units that went through an APCHA lottery where the number of bids was recorded.
Colorado River officials propose tracking conserved water
Upper basin water managers exploring how to protect water in Lake Powell
By Heather Sackett | June 28, 2024
Upper basin officials are still reluctant to say that Wednesday’s motion is a move toward a long-term conservation program for the upper basin.
Grizzly Reservoir work will result in more water flowing west
No Twin Lakes exchange means higher flows for Hunter Creek
By Heather Sackett | June 25, 2024
The Twin Lakes exchange was meant to lessen the impacts of another big transmountain diversion project in the headwaters of the Roaring Fork: the Twin Lakes system.
Group to focus on water for the environment
State officials want more flow targets in stream management plans
By Heather Sackett | June 13, 2024
Still, river flows can be a proxy for ecosystem health, and some say target recommendations are essential.
The Roundup | Greater Roaring Fork fates intertwined
10-part “In search of community” series concludes, equating housing with social justice
June 13, 2024
There are always stories that need a journalist to pursue them. These Aspen Journalism investigative stories are published for you, the community, and our collaborators as a public service, thanks to the generosity of our readers and funders. Will you join them?
