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ADVOCACY
Salty has been a vocal advocate for state-level initiatives like SB23-213, which aims to modernize zoning laws and increase housing options across Colorado. By supporting reforms that prioritize affordable housing development and reduce barriers to construction, Salty has helped elevate Chaffee County’s needs on a statewide platform. Her advocacy ensures that rural communities like ours benefit from innovative solutions and equitable housing policies, furthering her mission to create lasting, systemic change.
HARD TRUTHS ABOUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING
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Affordable housing isn't just about building more -its about building smarter. Hard Truths About Affordable Housing: 1. Tax-funded housing often doesn't prioritize locals. Fixing this starts with accountability and transparency. 2. Zoning can destroy affordability before a single house is built. 3. It's not just about building more; it's about who it's built for. 4. Housing insecurity is expensive -for everyone. According to the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, every single person without housing costs our community over $60 per-day in services. It's cheaper to house them.
Safe Outdoor Space (SOS) Advocacy
The Safe Outdoor Space (SOS) initiative in Salida was a bold step forward in advocating for immediate relief for the workforce facing housing insecurity. By creating a detailed business plan and mobilizing over 100 community members to speak at public meetings, we shifted the conversation around affordable housing, placing the needs of local workers at the forefront. The SOS project provided rental subsidies and a safe, dignified space for individuals without housing to have their basic needs met and maintain their jobs. This effort empowered the workforce to advocate for their needs and sparked critical discussions about the purpose and effectiveness of affordable housing programs. By incorporating feedback from those most impacted, we paved the way for more inclusive and effective housing solutions in Salida.
Advocating for Better Decision Making
Good decisions come from hearing all the voices in the room—especially the ones living the reality you’re trying to fix. Salty knows that when you include the people most affected by the housing crisis, you get solutions that actually work. It’s not about being trendy; it’s about being smart. Studies show that diverse perspectives lead to better decisions 90% of the time and cut down on unnecessary back-and-forth.
Too often, decisions are made in a vacuum, missing critical details that only those on the ground can provide. Salty has fought to make sure workers—the people who feel the housing crisis every day—have a say in the policies meant to help them. They know the nuances, the pitfalls, and the opportunities that come with real-world experience.
This approach isn’t just fair—it’s efficient. When everyone is heard, you get fewer missteps, better results, and solutions that stick. Salty believes in cutting through the red tape and getting it right the first time, and that starts with listening.
Too often, decisions are made in a vacuum, missing critical details that only those on the ground can provide. Salty has fought to make sure workers—the people who feel the housing crisis every day—have a say in the policies meant to help them. They know the nuances, the pitfalls, and the opportunities that come with real-world experience.
This approach isn’t just fair—it’s efficient. When everyone is heard, you get fewer missteps, better results, and solutions that stick. Salty believes in cutting through the red tape and getting it right the first time, and that starts with listening.
Salty's Work on the Chaffee Housing Authority: Accountability, Transparency, and Progress
As Vice Chair of the Chaffee Housing Authority (CHA), Salty has been a relentless advocate for transparency, accountability, and efficiency in tackling the housing crisis. She’s not afraid to ask tough questions or insist on solutions that work for the people of Chaffee County.
Salty championed the successful passage of the lodging tax ballot measure (1A), directing funds toward affordable housing and childcare—critical lifelines for Salida’s workforce. She also pushed for stronger oversight in CHA operations, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and effectively.
When CHA leadership faltered on policy compliance, Salty didn’t back down. She held the board accountable, fought for inclusive decision-making, and demanded that CHA prioritize projects like Jane’s Place and rental subsidies that directly impact local workers. Her commitment to transparency and fairness reshaped how CHA communicates with the community, building trust in an often murky process.
Salty’s relentless advocacy reflects her belief that housing solutions should serve the people who live and work here—not outsiders looking to cash in. From fighting for the South Ark Neighborhood to pushing for smarter zoning, Salty’s work on the CHA proves she’s not just talking about solving the housing crisis—she’s doing it.
Salty championed the successful passage of the lodging tax ballot measure (1A), directing funds toward affordable housing and childcare—critical lifelines for Salida’s workforce. She also pushed for stronger oversight in CHA operations, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and effectively.
When CHA leadership faltered on policy compliance, Salty didn’t back down. She held the board accountable, fought for inclusive decision-making, and demanded that CHA prioritize projects like Jane’s Place and rental subsidies that directly impact local workers. Her commitment to transparency and fairness reshaped how CHA communicates with the community, building trust in an often murky process.
Salty’s relentless advocacy reflects her belief that housing solutions should serve the people who live and work here—not outsiders looking to cash in. From fighting for the South Ark Neighborhood to pushing for smarter zoning, Salty’s work on the CHA proves she’s not just talking about solving the housing crisis—she’s doing it.
Affordable Housing Funding Advocacy
Salty has been a driving force behind securing funding to address Chaffee County’s housing crisis and support its workforce. She championed ballot measure 1A, which reallocated lodging tax dollars to fund affordable housing and childcare initiatives critical to Salida's community. This funding supports Chaffee Housing Authority operations, Jane’s Place, and a preschool program—projects Salty was actively involved in every step of the way. Additionally, she advocated for Prop 123 to secure statewide affordable housing funding and has been a vocal supporter of taxing short-term rentals to raise money for transformative projects like Artspace, Places to Age, and the South Ark Neighborhood. Salty’s efforts ensure that local workers and families have access to the housing and resources they need to thrive.
Land Use and Zoning Advocacy
Salty has been a champion for smart zoning policies that prioritize sustainable growth and affordable housing. She played a key role in adding density to Salida's Future Land Use Map, ensuring the city is prepared to meet housing needs. As a participant in Chaffee County’s Sustainability Plan, she has worked to align housing goals with environmental and economic priorities. Salty continues to advocate for initiatives that make it possible to build affordable housing, from high-density zoning to streamlined regulations, ensuring that Chaffee County remains a place where everyone can thrive.
Community Leadership and Recognition
Salty was honored as Volunteer of the Year in 2022 by the Chaffee County Community Foundation and The Mountain Mail for her dedication to improving the lives of Chaffee County residents. Since then, she has been nominated in successive years, reflecting her ongoing impact. Salty serves on the Housing Leaders Roundtable, the Community Leaders Fellowship, and the Salida Planning Commission, working collaboratively with diverse groups to achieve real results. Known for her ability to bring people together and navigate challenging conversations, Salty thrives on finding common ground and driving meaningful progress. Her leadership and teamwork continue to make a lasting difference in the community.
Short-Term Rental Regulation and Taxation Advocacy
Salty has been a steadfast advocate for short-term rental (STR) regulation and taxation to address the urgent need for affordable housing funding. STRs significantly impact the local housing supply by converting homes into profit-driven vacation rentals, reducing availability for the local workforce. Salty emphasizes the disparity between those profiting from our community’s housing market and the daily struggles of the workforce to find stable, affordable homes. By championing fair taxation on STRs, Salty aims to generate funding for critical housing projects like Artspace, Places to Age, and the South Ark Neighborhood, ensuring that those who sustain our community have a place to call home.
BETCH: Building Equity, Trust, and Community Housing Solutions
BETCH is a grassroots advocacy organization dedicated to creating real solutions for Chaffee County's housing crisis. Founded on the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home, BETCH has consistently pushed for practical, community-driven change that benefits local workers, families, and seniors alike.
BETCH’s impact is undeniable. The organization was instrumental in advocating for the rezoning of a 20-acre parcel near Salida’s city center to R3, unlocking the potential for high-density housing. This effort paved the way for Places to Age to begin developing affordable senior housing with memory care, while setting the stage for future projects to address Salida’s critical housing needs.
Through partnerships with organizations like The Chaffee Housing Trust and tireless advocacy before city councils and planning commissions, BETCH has fought for housing solutions that prioritize locals, strengthen neighborhoods, and support the workforce. Whether championing affordable housing developments like the South Ark Neighborhood or advocating for the fair use of taxpayer dollars, BETCH focuses on actionable results that matter to the people of Chaffee County.
At its core, BETCH is about more than housing—it’s about equity, trust, and creating a community where everyone can thrive. By amplifying the voices of those most affected by the housing crisis and tirelessly pushing for change, BETCH continues to inspire and lead the charge for a more inclusive and sustainable Chaffee County.
BETCH’s impact is undeniable. The organization was instrumental in advocating for the rezoning of a 20-acre parcel near Salida’s city center to R3, unlocking the potential for high-density housing. This effort paved the way for Places to Age to begin developing affordable senior housing with memory care, while setting the stage for future projects to address Salida’s critical housing needs.
Through partnerships with organizations like The Chaffee Housing Trust and tireless advocacy before city councils and planning commissions, BETCH has fought for housing solutions that prioritize locals, strengthen neighborhoods, and support the workforce. Whether championing affordable housing developments like the South Ark Neighborhood or advocating for the fair use of taxpayer dollars, BETCH focuses on actionable results that matter to the people of Chaffee County.
At its core, BETCH is about more than housing—it’s about equity, trust, and creating a community where everyone can thrive. By amplifying the voices of those most affected by the housing crisis and tirelessly pushing for change, BETCH continues to inspire and lead the charge for a more inclusive and sustainable Chaffee County.
State-Level Advocacy: Salty's Voice for Chaffee County
Salty understands that Chaffee County’s housing crisis can’t be solved in isolation. That’s why she’s taken the fight to the state level, becoming a tireless advocate in legislative committee meetings, building coalitions with housing organizations, and forging partnerships with rural resort communities across Colorado. She knows that state policies shape the very foundation of housing affordability and accessibility in our county—and she’s determined to make them work for us.
Salty’s work has directly benefited Chaffee County by helping secure resources and legislative victories that address the unique challenges of our workforce, homeowners, and seniors. Her advocacy for SB23-213 focused on zoning reform, cutting through red tape, and enabling higher-density housing developments that create real opportunities for local families. Salty’s persistent efforts to support Proposition 123 paved the way for Colorado’s historic affordable housing fund, ensuring that communities like ours have access to the tools we need to build and sustain affordable housing.
Salty brings the perspective of someone who’s lived the struggle—fighting to find stable housing while working multiple jobs in a rural resort county. She’s also a voice for homeowners juggling rising property taxes and seniors who need affordable options to remain in the community they’ve built their lives around. Salty’s dedication to housing advocacy is rooted in deep research, late nights reviewing legislation, and countless hours connecting with people across the state to ensure Chaffee County’s needs aren’t overlooked.
Her work at the state level isn’t just about policy—it’s about preserving the fabric of our community. Salty fights for those who keep Chaffee County running, ensuring they have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. Her dedication and relentless pursuit of better solutions are making a tangible impact, inspiring hope, and building a future where everyone has a place to call home.
Salty’s work has directly benefited Chaffee County by helping secure resources and legislative victories that address the unique challenges of our workforce, homeowners, and seniors. Her advocacy for SB23-213 focused on zoning reform, cutting through red tape, and enabling higher-density housing developments that create real opportunities for local families. Salty’s persistent efforts to support Proposition 123 paved the way for Colorado’s historic affordable housing fund, ensuring that communities like ours have access to the tools we need to build and sustain affordable housing.
Salty brings the perspective of someone who’s lived the struggle—fighting to find stable housing while working multiple jobs in a rural resort county. She’s also a voice for homeowners juggling rising property taxes and seniors who need affordable options to remain in the community they’ve built their lives around. Salty’s dedication to housing advocacy is rooted in deep research, late nights reviewing legislation, and countless hours connecting with people across the state to ensure Chaffee County’s needs aren’t overlooked.
Her work at the state level isn’t just about policy—it’s about preserving the fabric of our community. Salty fights for those who keep Chaffee County running, ensuring they have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. Her dedication and relentless pursuit of better solutions are making a tangible impact, inspiring hope, and building a future where everyone has a place to call home.
Colorado Housing Ballot Measure Report:
This housing report highlights the challenges our community faces—and underscores the importance of reliable data in crafting effective solutions. Salty, a respected housing advocate, has long emphasized the need for robust research to define and address the root causes of housing insecurity.
As a resource for the report, she continues to push for transparency and accountability in housing initiatives, ensuring our community has the tools to create meaningful change. Explore the findings and join the effort to build a data-driven path forward!
As a resource for the report, she continues to push for transparency and accountability in housing initiatives, ensuring our community has the tools to create meaningful change. Explore the findings and join the effort to build a data-driven path forward!
Space to Create Salida:
A groundbreaking project addressing the need for affordable live/work housing for local creatives and workers.
From the very beginning, Salty has been a vocal supporter and active participant, serving on the steering committee to guide the project’s vision. Through BETCH, she helped raise critical funding and ensured workforce voices and needs were at the center of the conversation.
Salty’s advocacy reflects her unwavering commitment to equitable housing solutions that empower the people who make our community thrive. Learn more about the project and its impact!
From the very beginning, Salty has been a vocal supporter and active participant, serving on the steering committee to guide the project’s vision. Through BETCH, she helped raise critical funding and ensured workforce voices and needs were at the center of the conversation.
Salty’s advocacy reflects her unwavering commitment to equitable housing solutions that empower the people who make our community thrive. Learn more about the project and its impact!
South Ark Neighborhood:
The South Ark Neighborhood addresses the urgent struggles of our local workforce and seniors, both fighting to survive amid rising displacement pressures.
With financing, land use, and zoning as key barriers to solving the housing crisis, Salty and BETCH stepped in to advocate for solutions. They raised critical funding and elevated the voices of those most impacted, ensuring the project prioritizes affordable workforce housing and senior housing with memory care.
This effort reflects Salty’s dedication to tackling the root causes of displacement and creating housing that sustains our community. Learn more about the vision for South Ark!
With financing, land use, and zoning as key barriers to solving the housing crisis, Salty and BETCH stepped in to advocate for solutions. They raised critical funding and elevated the voices of those most impacted, ensuring the project prioritizes affordable workforce housing and senior housing with memory care.
This effort reflects Salty’s dedication to tackling the root causes of displacement and creating housing that sustains our community. Learn more about the vision for South Ark!
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