Chaffee Housing Authority Ballot Measure Survey

Magellan Strategies is pleased to present the topline results of a survey of 1,214 residents of Chaffee County, Colorado. The interviews were conducted from February 1st to February 20th, 2024.

This survey explored Chaffee County residents’ views on affordable housing challenges and potential funding solutions. An overwhelming 91% of respondents considered the shortage of affordable housing to be a problem, with 74% calling it a big problem. Additionally, 73% believed local governments should play an active role in providing affordable housing solutions for year-round residents.

Respondents described affordable housing as accommodations where residents spend no more than 30% of their income on housing costs, primarily serving the local workforce including teachers, nurses, and other essential service providers. About 61% reported being familiar with the Chaffee Housing Authority and its affordable housing efforts. When presented with a general concept, 69% supported creating a dedicated funding source for affordable housing initiatives.

The survey tested two primary funding mechanisms at different levels. For a 4-mill property tax increase generating $3.5 million annually, initial support stood at 44% with 50% opposed. After receiving detailed information about housing programs and initiatives, support remained at 44% while opposition softened slightly to 48%. The property tax would have cost homeowners approximately $29 per year for each $100,000 of assessed home value.

A 0.50% sales tax increase generating the same $3.5 million annually performed better, with initial support at 58% and opposition at 36%. After the same informational messages, support increased slightly to 59% with opposition holding at 36%. This sales tax would have cost consumers 50 cents on every $100 purchase.

Respondents also evaluated lower funding options. A 2-mill property tax increase generating $1.78 million annually received 44% support and 48% opposition, matching the higher property tax option’s results. A 0.25% sales tax increase at the same funding level received 56% support and 36% opposition, performing nearly as well as the higher sales tax option.

Throughout the informational questions, messages about housing needs, current conditions, and specific projects generally increased respondents’ likelihood to approve funding measures. Messages about the Housing Needs Assessment finding a need for 1,105 new units, the potential to create 250 rental units with dedicated funding, and specific projects like Jane’s Place and Carbonate Street all generated support levels between 61% and 67%.

Supporters of sales tax increases emphasized fairness in spreading costs across residents and tourists, while property tax supporters focused on addressing the housing crisis and community investment. Opponents of property taxes cited concerns about fixed-income residents and preference for sales taxes, while sales tax opponents worried about being overtaxed and distrusted government spending efficiency.