The city of Durango’s application deadline for its new rental subsidy program targeting “missing middle” income earners has been extended.
The new deadline will be 10 a.m. Nov. 28. The extension was made to allow time for Housing Solutions of the Southwest to review applications, a city news release says.
The program, called “Leasing for Locals,” introduces 30 new multifamily, below-market rental units to the city’s housing supply in partnership with the Gauge Apartments, 1275 Escalante Drive near Home Depot in south Durango.
The program is in a two-year pilot phase after launching late last month. It is funded by about $775,000 in American Rescue Plan Act federal money earmarked by the city for housing initiatives.
Durango Housing Innovation Manager Eva Henson said the city has received 21 applications for the “Leasing for Locals” program as of Tuesday morning, a sign the program is fairly popular in the weeks after its launch.
“But that doesn’t completely fill all 30 units just yet in Building C,” she said. “So, we’ve decided to extend the application window to accommodate a longer period of time to allow prospective tenants interested to apply.”
She said the extension also gives Housing Solutions for the Southwest and Griffis Blessing Property Management more time to process applications.
In an interview last month, Henson said the program will create six one-bedroom units, 18 two-bedroom units and six three-bedroom units in Building C at the Gauge Apartments, targeting income earners making between 60% and 100% area median income.
Rental rates at the Gauge Apartments for wage earners between 60% and 80% AMI include:
- $994 for a one-bedroom unit (with three units available).
- $1,199 for a two-bedroom unit (with nine units available).
- $1,388 for a three-bedroom unit (with three units available).
Rental rates for wage earners between 80% and 100% AMI are:
- $1,384 for a one-bedroom unit (with three units available).
- $1,667 for a two-bedroom unit (with nine units available).
- $1,929 for a three-bedroom unit (with three units available).
Henson said timing is a balancing act for programs such as “Leasing for Locals” because the city needs to gauge interest from prospective renters and move-in dates need to be coordinated.
“Renters need time to make decisions with their housing accommodations and lease terms, so we encourage those seeking housing in Durango to apply now,” she said.
She said Housing Solutions for the Southwest is watching the volume of applications, the unit types applicants prefer and which desired move-in dates are reflected in applications. The organization will keep a list of prospective renters to contact them later if available units run out.
As of Tuesday morning, several renter applications have been completed and approved, and leases and move-in dates for this month are being planned, Henson said.
People can file applications online at durangogov.org.
cburney@durangoherald.com
