“Affordable Housing” is a phrase you’ll hear from other candidates in this election. Don’t get tricked into thinking that these candidates have anything in mind other than the status quo.
Most of the candidates in this election have the mindset of “attract developers and develop for the upper class – we’ll maybe even sprinkle a few ‘workforce’ housing units in the mix to make it seem like we’re doing something of benefit to the working class of our community.” This way of thinking that has been established in our local government for the past decade has gotten us to where we are now.
So what I’m proposing is an extension of already existing regulation in Durango on VRBOs, to include all zones in order to limit the number of units dedicated to vacation rentals. This change will benefit our hospitality and lodging industry, and also provide more existing stock in the housing market of Durango, easing strain on the housing market. I believe in also dedicating some of the income of the lodgers tax to subsidize real affordable workforce housing, not more tourism marketing.
We’ve also got to begin putting the Durango community ahead of the tourists, while still welcoming them to our city in a responsible way. The vacation rental industry is one example of the encroaching “hyper-tourism” beginning to take over our local community. The Next Step project is another example of hyper-tourism efforts that are great for tourism and marketing, but not for our Durango residents. I oppose this project in its current form, especially when 75 of our local business owners wrote a letter to our local government in opposition of the project. We should listen to them, unlike the current City Council who has neglected that input. How many pokes will it take for business owners to begin leaving our community?
I’m the candidate who strongly supports our local business owners because they are the spark that fires our economy’s engine, and we shouldn’t neglect their input.
Although I am a candidate who is young, my youth should not deter you from what I bring to the table and our community. I’m a dedicated public servant who has successfully managed over half a million-dollar budgets, and bring experience in working with municipal and state governments to the table.
It’s time for a fresh start in Durango, one where we focus on you!
