This week, I had the opportunity to speak with Carter Rogers, candidate for Durango City Council, and I was pleasantly surprised.
I was particularly impressed by his stance on affordable housing, which seems to be an ever-constant problem in our area. Last fall, Durango’s Mayor Barbara Noseworthy said that a majority of the Council’s interest was in protecting and supporting housing access, and affordability for the local workforce. Carter is disappointed that nothing seems to be happening to solve the issue.
Carter said that one of the reasons we have an ongoing housing crisis in our area is the large number of properties – many owned by part-time residents – that are being rented part time through Airbnb and VRBO. This accounts for over 1,200 short-term rental units in the city alone. Carter proposes that by limiting the amount of time short-term rentals can be rented, we can open up the already existing stock in our Durango housing market and provide housing accessibility to many potential residents, workers and college students. Visitors and tourists can always find lodging in the many hotels and motels that Durango has to offer.
Carter, a bright young man and student at Fort Lewis College, where he is student body president, is passionate about creating a responsible and equitable future for Durango. I do hope that you will consider voting for Carter Rogers for Durango City Council.
Donna Gulec
Durango
