URBAN UPDATES
You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make. – Jane Goodall
September | 2020
Neighborhood Focus: Elyria-Swansea
Globeville and Elyria Swansea Garners a Community Benefits Agreement for 48th and Race Affordable Development
A Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) has been finalized between The Globeville Elyria-Swansea Coalition Organizing for Health and Housing Justice (GES Coalition) and the development team, led by Columbia Ventures, of the affordable mixed-use development at 48th and Race. ULC owns the land under the future development in a 99-year renewable land lease. Projected to break ground in October 2020 with 150 permanently affordable apartments, the development will be available to those with household incomes ranging from 30% to 80% of AMI and will also include a 24,500 sq. ft. health clinic owned and operated by Clínica Tepeyac and 5,000 sq. ft. of neighborhood-serving retail establishments.

The Coalition, composed of GES-based organizations Project VOYCE, Center for Community Wealth Building, and Elyria and Swansea Neighborhood Association (a local Registered Neighborhood Organization), has worked diligently since late 2018 to identify key neighborhood priorities that the development could address. They have also helped to define a framework by which the property owner and developer can remain responsive to community needs and for neighborhood stakeholders to provide meaningful input as the development proceeds in the coming years. 

Globeville and Elyria-Swansea are some of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods—with industrial roots that predate the 1900s. The community, once predominantly Latino, has become a high risk for displacement because of large-scale redevelopment plans, including the National Western Complex, Brighton Boulevard, and expansions to light rail stations and I-70. 

People On The Move
ULC’s Mark Marshall was recently promoted to Vice President of Real Estate. Since Mark joined ULC in 2015, he has been an invaluable member of the team, bringing a wealth of knowledge to our acquisitions and real estate developments. Congratulations, Mark! 

ULC also offers well wishes to Natasha Weaver as she retires from her position as the Manager of the Tax Credit Program for Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA). “Having worked with CHFA and Tasha for over 20 years, I have always been amazed at her ability to work through a highly competitive process to ultimately support the best affordable housing in Colorado,” said Aaron Miripol. “It's not an easy job when you consider that only 20% to 30% of the applicants are awarded tax credits in any one round. Tasha has been a leader nationally in overseeing Colorado's largest affordable rental housing production program. Thank you Tasha!”
Policy Corner
The following are three initiatives to look our for and support this fall: 

  • Support for the tobacco-vape tax campaign: among other things, the revenue from the tax will support eviction defense ($500,000 / year for 3 years) and affordable housing (about $11M / year for 3 years). To learn more, click here.

  • The Denver Planning Board voted to recommend that City Council approve the package of proposed changes to the group living rules. The initiative will soon move to City Council, so now is the time to reach out and voice your support. To learn more, click here.

Partner Spotlight of the Month!
Neighborhood Development Collaborative (NDC) and Jonathan Capelli
The Neighborhood Development Collaborative (NDC) is a coalition of 16 Metro-Denver nonprofits that build homes for middle- and low-income residents and who seek to strengthen neighborhoods with community-oriented businesses and innovative human services. In addition, NDC works to educate metro-area stakeholders and municipalities about the importance of affordable housing and decrease the percentage of metro-area residents who are housing-cost burdened by facilitating strategic collaboration between members.

Launched in 2009, NDC initially worked to coordinate the efforts of metro-area nonprofits in the implementation of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, a Congressionally funded initiative aimed at mitigating the effects of foreclosures in areas of greatest need.

“Before NDC, collaboration within the affordable housing community was limited,” said Jonathan Cappelli, NDC’s Executive Director. “Organizations were in their own lanes of advocacy depending on where they were on the housing spectrum. NDC has become a powerful and unifying voice for the affordable housing community in Denver.”

Cappelli is a true champion for affordable housing in the Denver metro area. An experienced urban planning, real estate, and community development professional, Cappelli is focused on finding ways to bring equitable and sustainable development to communities across Colorado. 

To read more, click here!
Below Market Rate Office Space Available in Denver
ULC has a variety of suites available at the Harlan Nonprofit Center located near West Colfax. Located just south of Alameda Ave. about halfway between Sheridan & Wadsworth, sit the two Belmar East office buildings. Offering updated finishes, a responsive landlord, property manager, abundant parking, and affordable lease rates. Numerous nearby retail and restaurant amenities. Several units available for lease and shown on the back of the attached brochure. To see the listing, click here, or for more information, please contact ULC’s property manager.