Denver mayor hopeful about new housing goals despite funding loss

Why it matters: A tight local budget, compounded by a loss in federal pandemic aid, means less money for building and preserving affordable units.

State of play: 3,022 affordable units were opened, preserved or secured last year, according to data provided Monday by the mayor's office.

• That figure is slightly higher than Johnston's intended 2025 goal of 3,000; the city has historically helped develop about 1,500 units a year, Johnston said.

Reality check: Federal pandemic aid dollars helped pay for units last year, but that money — about $100 million — won't be available this year.

Yes, but: Johnston said the city will still aim for around 3,000 affordable units in 2025.

• Paying for these units could include public-private partnerships, using public land, and providing rental subsidies to make units affordable, Johnston said Monday.

• The mayor said he supports the idea behind social housing — a model that Denver City Council's progressive bloc backs — which involves mixed-income housing potentially owned or financed by the city.

Zoom out: The affordable units developed last year are mostly income-restricted, Johnston said.

• They include new affordable housing complexes — like the 82-unit The Rose on Colfax, which opened last January — and programs that provide direct rental subsidies through programs like vouchers.

What's next: The city intends to release its 2025 goals on Jan. 29.