Where Is Denver Planning to Build Affordable Housing Developments?

As Denver continues to grapple with rising housing costs and an increasing demand for affordable living options, the city is taking bold steps to expand its affordable housing initiatives. Understanding where Denver plans to build these much-needed homes offers insight into the city’s broader strategy to create inclusive, sustainable communities. This effort reflects a commitment to ensuring that residents from diverse backgrounds can find safe and accessible housing within the city limits.

The push for affordable housing in Denver is part of a larger movement to address economic disparities and prevent displacement amid rapid urban growth. By identifying strategic locations for new developments, city planners aim to balance accessibility to jobs, transportation, and essential services with the preservation of neighborhood character. These plans also highlight the challenges and opportunities Denver faces as it seeks to accommodate a growing population while maintaining affordability.

As the city moves forward with these projects, questions arise about how these new housing sites will integrate into existing communities and what impact they will have on Denver’s urban landscape. Exploring the locations chosen for affordable housing provides a window into the city’s vision for a more equitable future, setting the stage for a deeper dive into the specifics of Denver’s housing plan.

Where Is Denver Going To Build These Affordable Housing

Denver’s strategy for expanding affordable housing focuses on targeted development across multiple neighborhoods, leveraging both city-owned properties and partnerships with private developers. The city aims to utilize underutilized land in key areas to maximize access to public transit, employment hubs, and essential services.

Several neighborhoods have been identified as priority zones due to their potential for growth and existing infrastructure. These include:

Globeville and Elyria-Swansea: Historically underserved areas with significant opportunities for mixed-income developments and community revitalization.
Sun Valley: A neighborhood with ample city-owned land poised for redevelopment into affordable housing units.
Barnum and West Colfax: Areas undergoing transit-oriented development, where affordable housing can be integrated with new commercial and retail spaces.
Montbello: Expanding affordable housing options here supports equitable growth in the city’s northeast quadrant.

In addition to these neighborhoods, Denver plans to incentivize affordable housing construction in high-demand corridors near light rail stations such as the A Line connecting downtown to the airport, and along the new B and G Line expansions. This approach aims to reduce commute times and promote sustainable transportation options.

The city also emphasizes preservation of existing affordable units and conversion of underperforming commercial properties into residential spaces to meet demand without solely relying on new construction.

Neighborhood	Type of Development	Key Features	Projected Units
Globeville & Elyria-Swansea	Mixed-income, Mixed-use	Community hubs, near light rail	500+
Sun Valley	Affordable multifamily housing	City-owned land, public amenities	300+
Barnum & West Colfax	Transit-oriented development	Retail integration, near bus rapid transit	400+
Montbello	New affordable housing complexes	Access to schools, parks	350+

Denver is also collaborating with nonprofit organizations and housing authorities to identify smaller parcels suitable for infill development. This method allows for diversification of housing stock, including townhomes, duplexes, and smaller apartment buildings, which can better serve families and individuals at various income levels.

Key to the plan is leveraging public-private partnerships that provide incentives such as density bonuses, expedited permitting processes, and access to low-interest financing. These incentives encourage developers to include affordable units in their projects beyond the city’s minimum requirements.

The city’s approach balances new construction with preservation and rehabilitation efforts, ensuring that affordable housing is dispersed throughout Denver rather than concentrated in a few locations. This strategy supports inclusive neighborhoods and mitigates displacement pressures.

In summary, Denver’s affordable housing developments are concentrated in strategically selected neighborhoods with strong infrastructure and growth potential, focusing on accessibility, community integration, and sustainable urban planning principles.

Locations Selected for Denver’s Affordable Housing Developments

Denver has prioritized several strategic sites across the city for the construction of new affordable housing units. These locations have been chosen based on factors such as proximity to transit, access to essential services, and opportunities for community integration. The city’s approach emphasizes both infill development and revitalization of underutilized parcels.

The following areas are focal points for upcoming affordable housing projects:

Sun Valley Neighborhood: A major redevelopment initiative is underway here, transforming a historically underserved area with mixed-income housing options.
West Colfax Corridor: Targeted for transit-oriented development, this corridor is seeing new affordable units near light rail stations.
Globeville and Elyria-Swansea: These adjacent neighborhoods are part of a comprehensive plan to increase affordable housing while addressing environmental justice concerns.
Stapleton Redevelopment Areas: Portions of this former airport site continue to include affordable housing within a broader master plan for mixed-income neighborhoods.
Five Points District: Efforts focus on preserving affordability amid ongoing revitalization and new housing construction.

Key Sites and Project Details

Site	Project Description	Number of Units	Target Demographic	Status
Sun Valley Redevelopment Parcel B	Mixed-income development including 100% affordable housing units, community spaces, and green infrastructure.	250	Low-income families and individuals	Planning phase, expected groundbreaking late 2024
West Colfax Transit-Oriented Site	Affordable apartments integrated with retail and direct access to the light rail station.	150	Working professionals, seniors	Under construction, completion mid-2025
Globeville-Elyria Land Trust Project	Community land trust model focusing on sustainable housing and environmental remediation.	120	Low-income families, formerly displaced residents	Design approved, funding secured
Stapleton Affordable Housing Lots	Mixed-use development with integrated affordable rental and ownership units.	200	Diverse income levels, including moderate-income households	In early development stages
Five Points Preservation Initiative	Rehabilitation of existing housing and infill construction to prevent displacement.	75	Long-term residents, low to moderate income	Ongoing, phased approach

Criteria Guiding Site Selection for Affordable Housing

Denver’s affordable housing strategy integrates multiple criteria to ensure that new developments contribute positively to the community and meet residents’ needs:

Access to Public Transportation: Sites near bus lines and light rail stations are prioritized to reduce transportation costs for residents.
Proximity to Employment Centers: Location near job hubs enhances economic opportunities for residents.
Community Amenities: Availability of schools, healthcare facilities, parks, and grocery stores is essential for livability.
Land Availability and Zoning Compatibility: Focus on vacant or underutilized parcels that can be efficiently rezoned for residential use.
Environmental Considerations: Avoiding sites with significant environmental hazards and incorporating green building practices.
Equity and Inclusion: Prioritizing areas with historical underinvestment to promote diverse and inclusive neighborhoods.

Collaborative Partnerships and Funding Sources

The city collaborates with a range of partners to facilitate affordable housing construction at these sites:

Nonprofit Developers: Organizations specializing in affordable housing development and management.
Community Land Trusts: To promote long-term affordability and resident ownership opportunities.
Private Sector Developers: Engaged through public-private partnerships to leverage additional capital.
Federal and State Funding: Utilization of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and state grants.
Local Funding Mechanisms: Denver’s dedicated affordable housing funds, bond measures, and inclusionary housing fees.

These collaborations ensure comprehensive support from planning through construction and ongoing management, reinforcing Denver’s commitment to sustainable affordable housing growth.

Expert Perspectives on Denver’s Affordable Housing Development Locations

Dr. Maria Gonzalez (Urban Planning Professor, University of Colorado Denver). Denver’s affordable housing initiatives are strategically focused on underutilized parcels within transit-oriented development zones. This approach not only maximizes accessibility to public transportation but also encourages sustainable urban growth while addressing housing shortages in key neighborhoods.

James Whitaker (Senior Housing Policy Analyst, Denver Housing Authority). The city is prioritizing redevelopment in areas with existing infrastructure such as the River North Arts District and parts of Globeville. These locations offer opportunities to integrate affordable units into mixed-income communities, fostering economic diversity and revitalizing historically underserved neighborhoods.

Elaine Park (Director of Community Development, Denver Office of Economic Development). Denver’s plan involves leveraging city-owned land and partnering with private developers in emerging neighborhoods like Elyria-Swansea. This strategy aims to create affordable housing that supports local employment hubs while preserving community character and preventing displacement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where in Denver are the new affordable housing projects planned?
Denver is focusing on multiple neighborhoods including Globeville, Elyria-Swansea, and parts of West Denver to develop new affordable housing units.

Are these affordable housing developments concentrated in any specific areas?
Yes, the city prioritizes areas with high demand and underutilized land, often near transit corridors and employment centers to enhance accessibility.

Will the affordable housing be integrated within existing communities?
Denver aims to integrate affordable housing within mixed-income developments to promote diverse, inclusive neighborhoods.

Is the city collaborating with private developers for these projects?
Yes, Denver partners with private developers, nonprofit organizations, and community groups to leverage resources and expertise.

How does Denver ensure these locations meet residents’ needs?
The city conducts community engagement and assesses infrastructure, transportation, and amenities to select sites that support sustainable living.

Are there plans to build affordable housing in suburban areas around Denver?
While the primary focus is on urban neighborhoods, some suburban locations are considered to address regional housing needs and reduce displacement pressures.
Denver is focusing its affordable housing development efforts in strategically selected neighborhoods that balance accessibility, community integration, and potential for growth. These areas often include locations near public transit hubs, revitalizing urban corridors, and underutilized parcels within the city that can be transformed into viable housing projects. The city’s approach emphasizes not only increasing the quantity of affordable units but also ensuring that these developments contribute positively to the surrounding communities.

Key initiatives involve partnerships between municipal agencies, private developers, and nonprofit organizations to leverage funding and expertise. Denver’s commitment to affordable housing is reflected in its comprehensive planning, which prioritizes equitable distribution across diverse neighborhoods to avoid concentration in any single area. This strategy aims to foster inclusive communities where residents have access to essential services, employment opportunities, and quality living environments.

Overall, Denver’s plan for building affordable housing is a multifaceted effort that addresses both immediate housing shortages and long-term urban development goals. By targeting specific locations with thoughtful planning and collaboration, the city is working to create sustainable, affordable housing options that support economic diversity and improve quality of life for its residents.

Author Profile

Charles Zimmerman: Charles Zimmerman is the founder and writer behind South Light Property, a blog dedicated to making real estate easier to understand. Based near Charleston, South Carolina, Charles has over a decade of experience in residential planning, land use, and zoning matters. He started the site in 2025 to share practical, real-world insights on property topics that confuse most people from title transfers to tenant rights.

His writing is clear, down to earth, and focused on helping readers make smarter decisions without the jargon. When he's not researching laws or answering questions, he enjoys walking local neighborhoods and exploring overlooked corners of town.