FAQs

A Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) provides the foundational information for understanding Superior’s housing market dynamics, regulatory environment, demographics, and current and future housing needs. The HNA will inform the development of strategies and actions in the Strategic Housing Plan.

The Strategic Housing Plan will provide clear actions that the Town can implement with the purpose of promoting greater diversity in the types of housing available and more affordable housing to residents of all incomes in Superior.

Housing affordability refers to the degree to which a household or individual can afford to pay for housing without experiencing financial hardship or sacrificing other essential needs.

According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), affordable housing refers to a residence that a household or family can acquire—either through buying, renting, or other means—that requires payment of no more than 30% of the household’s income. Typically, households paying more than 30% of their annual income toward housing is considered to be “cost burdened.”

The HNA will consider a wide variety of housing needs, desires, and preferences that will support and sustain both current and future residents of Superior. Thus, the HNA will consider all types of housing and provide guidance for which types may be most suitable within the community. This guidance will be thoughtfully informed by a combination of technical analysis and community input, including factors such as demographics and income, the housing and development market, community character, land suitability and available infrastructure, as well as personal preferences and reported needs. This project will consider and include recommendations for both market-rate and subsidized affordable housing, to provide an array of housing options that accommodate diverse needs. 

First and foremost, this effort will set a path for the Town to successfully support Superior as a vibrant and resilient community by meeting local housing needs and creating opportunity for new residents to settle in Superior’s neighborhoods. Developing a Housing Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan will also position Superior for additional grant eligibility to support the development of affordable housing. House Bill 21-1271 and Proposition 123 are two grant programs through the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). Completing this project, which is in part funded by a HB 21-1271 Planning Grant, is one component of meeting the requirements for further funding.
 

Community Open House:

This activity provides a dedicated time and space for the community to gather and learn about and give feedback on this specific project. This method provides valuable face-to-face interaction between community members and the various actors involved in the project, such as consultants, staff, and decision-makers. This method is structured while offering flexibility for residents to review materials and provide input or engage in conversation during a 2-3 hour period.

Stakeholder Discussions:

This activity allows for more focused and technical discussion with specific stakeholders who have in-depth knowledge or a particular perspective on housing development, local needs and trends, challenges, opportunities, and potential strategies.

Presence at Community Events:

This activity is used as a way for Town Staff and project consultants to mingle with the community by participating in already planned and well-attended events. This method is usually set up with staffed tabling where informational materials will be provided, and residents have the opportunity to ask questions or engage in interactive activities.

ShapeSuperior:

This tool offers additional opportunities for engagement and input to complement in-person events. This tool is used similarly to an online survey, although the site’s flexibility and variety of activities makes engagement more fun and approachable! At various points throughout the project, you may find short questionnaires, polls, mapping exercises where you can place pins or add comments to specific locations, forums where you can share ideas, opportunities to share a story, and many other fun and cool ways to provide input digitally. This method allows residents to participate on their own time as the activities will be posted for several weeks or months. You can choose to participate in all the activities, or just choose the ones you are most interested in or passionate about. Here you will also find key updates on project progress and findings along the way.­­