Affordable Housing Strategy and Action Plan

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Cover page of Affordable Housing Strategy and Action Plan

City Council adopted Wheat Ridge's first Affordable Housing Strategy and Action Plan on January 9, 2023. Since then, the city has made meaningful progress across all ten priority areas—from establishing a dedicated Housing Fund to preserving affordable units, updating key codes, and completing a new comprehensive plan. This page summarizes where things stand and what's ahead.

The adopted plan is available to view online here.

What we've accomplished together so far

  • Created a housing fund and dedicated staff person to lead housing programs
  • Filed a commitment to Proposition 123, allowing the city and housing partners to become eligible for grant programs from the state’s affordable housing fund.
  • Provided funds and land to housing partners to assist in the development of affordable housing
  • Updating zoning regulations to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs), reduced parking requirements, and waived parkland dedication fees to allow more housing variety
  • Received $9 million in state and federal funds to help support the city’s housing programs and the development of affordable units.

What we are working on

The adopted strategy prioritizes ten actions to address the issues identified. The list below is a brief summary of those actions that will be updated periodically as implementation progresses. The Strategy provides a more detailed summary of the action items and how they tie to Wheat Ridge's specific housing needs and opportunities.

Affordable Housing Strategy Action Item
(in order of priority)		 Brief Description Status (June 2026)

Revise Zoning Framework for Community Benefit

Require all projects in mixed-use districts to either produce mixed-use or inclusionary affordable housing, and establish a new R-4 district with inclusionary requirements.Last year, city council paused work on an inclusionary housing zoning (IHZ) framework to pursue a nexus study for a housing impact linkage fee. The city has released an RFP for qualified firms to complete that study. Proposals are due by July 16, 2026.
Wheat Ridge Housing Fund
A dedicated fund to receive, hold, and deploy financial resources specifically in support of affordable housing activities.Staff will discuss programs for the Housing Fund with City Council in fall of 2026. See more information below on the Housing Fund.
Housing-Supportive Code AmendmentsAmend the City’s code to support affordable housing development in areas such as: process, fees, parking minimums, “no net loss,” etc.The city received funds from the Colorado Energy Office Local IMPACT Accelerator Grant to hire a consultant to analyze the zoning code and support staff in drafting housing-supportive zoning code amendments, including the creation of an R-4 zone district and preservation strategies. The city will release the RFP soon.
Continue Lutheran Legacy Implementation Efforts
Continue preparing for the eventual Lutheran redevelopment and set clear expectations.This action item is complete. Visit the Lutheran Legacy Campus webpage for the latest redevelopment updates.
Housing StaffHire a staff person dedicated to housing program management.The city's Senior Housing Planner leads housing policy and programs.
Comprehensive Plan UpdateUse the comprehensive plan process to reaffirm community support for affordable housing goals and establish community’s vision for growth and development.This item is complete. City Council adopted the City Plan on September 8. Learn more about the effort and read the adopted plan on the City Plan webpage.
Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) Preservation ProgramA program to make grants from the Wheat Ridge Housing Fund to rental property owners to upgrade aging rental units in exchange for affordable rents.The city was awarded $2 million from the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development to preserve NOAH units. The city has decided to allocate all grant funds to Foothills Regional Housing to purchase and convert the 16-unit Fruitdale School Lofts property into affordable housing. FRH hopes to close on the property this year.
Update Development Code and Zoning MapFollowing the update to the comprehensive plan, update the city’s code and zoning map to reflect the plan. The community-wide discussion of whether, where, and how to accommodate new housing is best suited for the comprehensive plan where public engagement will play an important role.The city received funds from the Colorado Energy Office Local IMPACT Accelerator Grant to hire a consultant to analyze the zoning code and support staff in drafting housing-supportive and commercial zoning code amendments. The city will release the RFP soon.
Exploration of Changes to Charter Limits on Height and DensityFollowing the update to the comprehensive plan, establish a commission to study the possibility of amending the city charter’s current limits on height and density in order to make a recommendation for a potential ballot question.This item is complete. In November 2024, Wheat Ridge voters approved changes to the City Charter allowing taller buildings in the center of the Lutheran Legacy Campus in exchange for shorter buildings around the edges. Future discussion on this action item will come from implementation of the recently adopted City Plan.
Update Affordable Housing Strategy and Action PlanUpdate this document to respond to new conditions and events.Staff is evaluating the plan for compliance with SB24-174 and other applicable state law.


This page is updated quarterly, as implementation progresses. For questions, please contact Shannon Terrell, Senior Housing Planner, at sterrell@wheatridge.gov.

Cover page of Affordable Housing Strategy and Action Plan

City Council adopted Wheat Ridge's first Affordable Housing Strategy and Action Plan on January 9, 2023. Since then, the city has made meaningful progress across all ten priority areas—from establishing a dedicated Housing Fund to preserving affordable units, updating key codes, and completing a new comprehensive plan. This page summarizes where things stand and what's ahead.

The adopted plan is available to view online here.

What we've accomplished together so far

  • Created a housing fund and dedicated staff person to lead housing programs
  • Filed a commitment to Proposition 123, allowing the city and housing partners to become eligible for grant programs from the state’s affordable housing fund.
  • Provided funds and land to housing partners to assist in the development of affordable housing
  • Updating zoning regulations to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs), reduced parking requirements, and waived parkland dedication fees to allow more housing variety
  • Received $9 million in state and federal funds to help support the city’s housing programs and the development of affordable units.

What we are working on

The adopted strategy prioritizes ten actions to address the issues identified. The list below is a brief summary of those actions that will be updated periodically as implementation progresses. The Strategy provides a more detailed summary of the action items and how they tie to Wheat Ridge's specific housing needs and opportunities.

Affordable Housing Strategy Action Item
(in order of priority)		 Brief Description Status (June 2026)

Revise Zoning Framework for Community Benefit

Require all projects in mixed-use districts to either produce mixed-use or inclusionary affordable housing, and establish a new R-4 district with inclusionary requirements.Last year, city council paused work on an inclusionary housing zoning (IHZ) framework to pursue a nexus study for a housing impact linkage fee. The city has released an RFP for qualified firms to complete that study. Proposals are due by July 16, 2026.
Wheat Ridge Housing Fund
A dedicated fund to receive, hold, and deploy financial resources specifically in support of affordable housing activities.Staff will discuss programs for the Housing Fund with City Council in fall of 2026. See more information below on the Housing Fund.
Housing-Supportive Code AmendmentsAmend the City’s code to support affordable housing development in areas such as: process, fees, parking minimums, “no net loss,” etc.The city received funds from the Colorado Energy Office Local IMPACT Accelerator Grant to hire a consultant to analyze the zoning code and support staff in drafting housing-supportive zoning code amendments, including the creation of an R-4 zone district and preservation strategies. The city will release the RFP soon.
Continue Lutheran Legacy Implementation Efforts
Continue preparing for the eventual Lutheran redevelopment and set clear expectations.This action item is complete. Visit the Lutheran Legacy Campus webpage for the latest redevelopment updates.
Housing StaffHire a staff person dedicated to housing program management.The city's Senior Housing Planner leads housing policy and programs.
Comprehensive Plan UpdateUse the comprehensive plan process to reaffirm community support for affordable housing goals and establish community’s vision for growth and development.This item is complete. City Council adopted the City Plan on September 8. Learn more about the effort and read the adopted plan on the City Plan webpage.
Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) Preservation ProgramA program to make grants from the Wheat Ridge Housing Fund to rental property owners to upgrade aging rental units in exchange for affordable rents.The city was awarded $2 million from the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development to preserve NOAH units. The city has decided to allocate all grant funds to Foothills Regional Housing to purchase and convert the 16-unit Fruitdale School Lofts property into affordable housing. FRH hopes to close on the property this year.
Update Development Code and Zoning MapFollowing the update to the comprehensive plan, update the city’s code and zoning map to reflect the plan. The community-wide discussion of whether, where, and how to accommodate new housing is best suited for the comprehensive plan where public engagement will play an important role.The city received funds from the Colorado Energy Office Local IMPACT Accelerator Grant to hire a consultant to analyze the zoning code and support staff in drafting housing-supportive and commercial zoning code amendments. The city will release the RFP soon.
Exploration of Changes to Charter Limits on Height and DensityFollowing the update to the comprehensive plan, establish a commission to study the possibility of amending the city charter’s current limits on height and density in order to make a recommendation for a potential ballot question.This item is complete. In November 2024, Wheat Ridge voters approved changes to the City Charter allowing taller buildings in the center of the Lutheran Legacy Campus in exchange for shorter buildings around the edges. Future discussion on this action item will come from implementation of the recently adopted City Plan.
Update Affordable Housing Strategy and Action PlanUpdate this document to respond to new conditions and events.Staff is evaluating the plan for compliance with SB24-174 and other applicable state law.


This page is updated quarterly, as implementation progresses. For questions, please contact Shannon Terrell, Senior Housing Planner, at sterrell@wheatridge.gov.

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

If you have a question about this project, either post it here or email the "Who's Listening" staff members above, and we'll get back to you within one business day.  

  • Share A lot more effort is being put into affordable housing for future residents, then maintaining and improving the city for current tax payers. E.g Harlan st between 44th and i70 is a eye sore. Crossing 44th going south as a pedestrian is extremely unsafe, no bike lanes in the entirety of district 2, and very little active police presence. Tons of trash from transients. Almost all efforts are on the west side of town. What are we going to do to serve Northeast Wheat Ridge tax payers more appropriately? on Facebook Share A lot more effort is being put into affordable housing for future residents, then maintaining and improving the city for current tax payers. E.g Harlan st between 44th and i70 is a eye sore. Crossing 44th going south as a pedestrian is extremely unsafe, no bike lanes in the entirety of district 2, and very little active police presence. Tons of trash from transients. Almost all efforts are on the west side of town. What are we going to do to serve Northeast Wheat Ridge tax payers more appropriately? on X (formerly Twitter) Share A lot more effort is being put into affordable housing for future residents, then maintaining and improving the city for current tax payers. E.g Harlan st between 44th and i70 is a eye sore. Crossing 44th going south as a pedestrian is extremely unsafe, no bike lanes in the entirety of district 2, and very little active police presence. Tons of trash from transients. Almost all efforts are on the west side of town. What are we going to do to serve Northeast Wheat Ridge tax payers more appropriately? on Linkedin Email A lot more effort is being put into affordable housing for future residents, then maintaining and improving the city for current tax payers. E.g Harlan st between 44th and i70 is a eye sore. Crossing 44th going south as a pedestrian is extremely unsafe, no bike lanes in the entirety of district 2, and very little active police presence. Tons of trash from transients. Almost all efforts are on the west side of town. What are we going to do to serve Northeast Wheat Ridge tax payers more appropriately? link

    A lot more effort is being put into affordable housing for future residents, then maintaining and improving the city for current tax payers. E.g Harlan st between 44th and i70 is a eye sore. Crossing 44th going south as a pedestrian is extremely unsafe, no bike lanes in the entirety of district 2, and very little active police presence. Tons of trash from transients. Almost all efforts are on the west side of town. What are we going to do to serve Northeast Wheat Ridge tax payers more appropriately?

    nr33 asked about 1 year ago

    Thanks for the questions! We will get the right departments together and get a response to you next week. 

  • Share I currently rent in Wheat Ridge and it's my dream to buy a home. I make $56k/yr, single, two kiddos. We've lived here for 5 years and my daughter goes to school here. I was hoping to buy a condo about 5 years ago but wasn't quite ready. Now if I want to buy and stop throwing money away every month but buying here seems unattainable. I don't know where to start. Are there any agencies or programs that can help me toward buying in this area we love? on Facebook Share I currently rent in Wheat Ridge and it's my dream to buy a home. I make $56k/yr, single, two kiddos. We've lived here for 5 years and my daughter goes to school here. I was hoping to buy a condo about 5 years ago but wasn't quite ready. Now if I want to buy and stop throwing money away every month but buying here seems unattainable. I don't know where to start. Are there any agencies or programs that can help me toward buying in this area we love? on X (formerly Twitter) Share I currently rent in Wheat Ridge and it's my dream to buy a home. I make $56k/yr, single, two kiddos. We've lived here for 5 years and my daughter goes to school here. I was hoping to buy a condo about 5 years ago but wasn't quite ready. Now if I want to buy and stop throwing money away every month but buying here seems unattainable. I don't know where to start. Are there any agencies or programs that can help me toward buying in this area we love? on Linkedin Email I currently rent in Wheat Ridge and it's my dream to buy a home. I make $56k/yr, single, two kiddos. We've lived here for 5 years and my daughter goes to school here. I was hoping to buy a condo about 5 years ago but wasn't quite ready. Now if I want to buy and stop throwing money away every month but buying here seems unattainable. I don't know where to start. Are there any agencies or programs that can help me toward buying in this area we love? link

    I currently rent in Wheat Ridge and it's my dream to buy a home. I make $56k/yr, single, two kiddos. We've lived here for 5 years and my daughter goes to school here. I was hoping to buy a condo about 5 years ago but wasn't quite ready. Now if I want to buy and stop throwing money away every month but buying here seems unattainable. I don't know where to start. Are there any agencies or programs that can help me toward buying in this area we love?

    Samiam asked about 2 years ago

    There are a number of programs offered by public and private agencies. Although the City of Wheat Ridge does not currently offer direct assistance, here are a few resources:

    • Metro Down Payment Assistance (metroDPA) - The City participates in the metroDPA program. If you make up to $176,700 a year and have a credit score above 640, metroDPA can help with a home loan and down payment assistance to help you buy a home. You may receive up to 5% of the mortgage loan amount for your down payment – with no interest and you don’t have to pay it back if you stay in the home for three years. A qualified lender coordinates the financing and can help you prequalify. Find out more about the program or get the name of a lender on the metroDPA website. 
    • Mile High United Way Help Center - The 211 Help Center is a multilingual and confidential service that connects individuals to critical resources including food, shelter, rental assistance, childcare, and more. The United Way's 211 database contains more than 7,000 health and human resources and is updated daily to help community members meet basic needs. Dial 2-1-1 to reach the help center or visit the Denver United way website.
    • Foothills Regional Housing (FRH) - Formerly known as the Jefferson County Housing Authority, FRH develops, owns, and operates housing throughout Jefferson County including in Wheat Ridge. Their housing including income-restricted, senior, and market rate; and FRH manages a housing voucher program as well. Dial 303-422-8600 or visit the Foothills Regional Housing website. 
    • Colorado Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) https://www.chfainfo.com/homeownership
    • Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation (CHAC) Real Estate Financial Assistance in Denver, CO | CHAC (chaconline.org)
    • First Time Homebuyer Program – federal programs offered by the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Homeownership Assistance: Colorado | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD),  United States Rural Development (USDA),; Non-profits such as Habitat for Humanity; several private lenders, such as lendstart and homebuyer
  • Share There are a lot of different condos, apartments, townhouses being built in Wheat Ridge. For example, at 38th and Wads next to the old Lucky's (apartments), on 29th in between Sheridan and Wads (townhouses), and again on 38th next "the Green" (apartments). Can you give detailed information on % occupancy of these different projects? I think we need to consider how well received these current projects have been before planning any more apartments, condos, townhouses in the area. From an onlooker driving by there seems to be low occupancy. However, I actually have no clue if these projects are full of occupants. Thank you on Facebook Share There are a lot of different condos, apartments, townhouses being built in Wheat Ridge. For example, at 38th and Wads next to the old Lucky's (apartments), on 29th in between Sheridan and Wads (townhouses), and again on 38th next "the Green" (apartments). Can you give detailed information on % occupancy of these different projects? I think we need to consider how well received these current projects have been before planning any more apartments, condos, townhouses in the area. From an onlooker driving by there seems to be low occupancy. However, I actually have no clue if these projects are full of occupants. Thank you on X (formerly Twitter) Share There are a lot of different condos, apartments, townhouses being built in Wheat Ridge. For example, at 38th and Wads next to the old Lucky's (apartments), on 29th in between Sheridan and Wads (townhouses), and again on 38th next "the Green" (apartments). Can you give detailed information on % occupancy of these different projects? I think we need to consider how well received these current projects have been before planning any more apartments, condos, townhouses in the area. From an onlooker driving by there seems to be low occupancy. However, I actually have no clue if these projects are full of occupants. Thank you on Linkedin Email There are a lot of different condos, apartments, townhouses being built in Wheat Ridge. For example, at 38th and Wads next to the old Lucky's (apartments), on 29th in between Sheridan and Wads (townhouses), and again on 38th next "the Green" (apartments). Can you give detailed information on % occupancy of these different projects? I think we need to consider how well received these current projects have been before planning any more apartments, condos, townhouses in the area. From an onlooker driving by there seems to be low occupancy. However, I actually have no clue if these projects are full of occupants. Thank you link

    There are a lot of different condos, apartments, townhouses being built in Wheat Ridge. For example, at 38th and Wads next to the old Lucky's (apartments), on 29th in between Sheridan and Wads (townhouses), and again on 38th next "the Green" (apartments). Can you give detailed information on % occupancy of these different projects? I think we need to consider how well received these current projects have been before planning any more apartments, condos, townhouses in the area. From an onlooker driving by there seems to be low occupancy. However, I actually have no clue if these projects are full of occupants. Thank you

    Caro asked about 4 years ago

    Thanks for your insightful question.  We've flagged this for consideration in doing the analysis, if it hadn't been already.  

  • Share Thank you for taking on this important project, it is vital to the people in our community and for the well-being of our community! Question: How will this strategy interface with the City's policies and actions to help the homeless and nearly homeless? Question: Will the City consider differing levels of defining "affordable"? One definition can be for what we might call typical renters and home buyers. One definition, or category, can be for the homeless or nearly homeless who have no income or only minimal income. Question: How should the WR Urban Renewal Authority for the City consider the need for truly affordable housing in making investment decisions related to housing? on Facebook Share Thank you for taking on this important project, it is vital to the people in our community and for the well-being of our community! Question: How will this strategy interface with the City's policies and actions to help the homeless and nearly homeless? Question: Will the City consider differing levels of defining "affordable"? One definition can be for what we might call typical renters and home buyers. One definition, or category, can be for the homeless or nearly homeless who have no income or only minimal income. Question: How should the WR Urban Renewal Authority for the City consider the need for truly affordable housing in making investment decisions related to housing? on X (formerly Twitter) Share Thank you for taking on this important project, it is vital to the people in our community and for the well-being of our community! Question: How will this strategy interface with the City's policies and actions to help the homeless and nearly homeless? Question: Will the City consider differing levels of defining "affordable"? One definition can be for what we might call typical renters and home buyers. One definition, or category, can be for the homeless or nearly homeless who have no income or only minimal income. Question: How should the WR Urban Renewal Authority for the City consider the need for truly affordable housing in making investment decisions related to housing? on Linkedin Email Thank you for taking on this important project, it is vital to the people in our community and for the well-being of our community! Question: How will this strategy interface with the City's policies and actions to help the homeless and nearly homeless? Question: Will the City consider differing levels of defining "affordable"? One definition can be for what we might call typical renters and home buyers. One definition, or category, can be for the homeless or nearly homeless who have no income or only minimal income. Question: How should the WR Urban Renewal Authority for the City consider the need for truly affordable housing in making investment decisions related to housing? link

    Thank you for taking on this important project, it is vital to the people in our community and for the well-being of our community! Question: How will this strategy interface with the City's policies and actions to help the homeless and nearly homeless? Question: Will the City consider differing levels of defining "affordable"? One definition can be for what we might call typical renters and home buyers. One definition, or category, can be for the homeless or nearly homeless who have no income or only minimal income. Question: How should the WR Urban Renewal Authority for the City consider the need for truly affordable housing in making investment decisions related to housing?

    Marcia asked about 4 years ago

    Hello and thank you for the thoughtful question.  This strategy will look at the spectrum of housing need, and where the City could have the most impact - taking into account existing programs we already have underway.  The City has a fairly recently created Homelessness Program you can check out at: whatsupwheatridge.com/homelessness-is-a-shared-responsibility.  With this new homelessness program, this Affordable Housing Strategy will mostly be focused on the other needs along the housing spectrum - ranging from low income to above median income (as the area median income is now less than what one needs to "afford" a house, as explained on this page a bit more). 

    As for the City's Urban Renewal Authority, this project is exploring all the tools at the City's disposal to address the issue in the most impactful way that aligns with the identified needs (there will be a detailed needs assessment report as part of this). That is a good thought to make sure we're considering what, if any, their role could be as we look at the range of tools.  

Page last updated: 26 Jun 2026, 09:14 AM