Five-year strategic plans approved

CB housing and community spaces

[ By Mark Reaman ]

The Crested Butte council approved the Five-Year Community Spaces Strategic Plan along with the Five-Year Housing Strategy at the May 18 meeting.

The goals of the housing strategy include supporting zoning code update changes that “turn regulatory flexibility into real units” through financial incentives and pilot projects — including ADUs, micro lots, multi-family, mixed use and modular or small lot housing; preserves and stewards the existing deed restricted and naturally occurring affordable housing; prepares key sites for future development and refines programs like the Good Deed program to affordable housing; and deepens regional and statewide collaboration to align policies, leverage resources and coordinate on housing development, funding and legislative advocacy.

As for the Five-Year Community Spaces Strategic Plan, no one admittedly knows how it will work or what it will produce. That is part of the beauty. “I think it’s exciting,” said councilmember John O’Neal. “I don’t there is another town with something like this. I believe it could result in a great outcome.”

The plan is meant to “support the essential services, local non-profits and businesses and gathering places that sustain daily life.”

There are two categories of community spaces: 1) Core Services that are spaces that make daily life possible and more affordable; and 2) Community Vitality Spaces that build social capital and foster community connection.

“The town’s role centers on regulatory tools and incentives, targeted public investment and strategic partnerships that start small, address clear gaps and catalyze community-driven creativity,” the document explains.

“Success will be visible through the creation or preservation of community-serving spaces, stronger partnerships, the completion of a community hub project and improved access to essential service and gathering places that reinforce Crested Butte’s character, culture and livability.”