Community Builders Ask What’s Next for Brown Ranch?
May 8 Evening Workshop Gauges Community Ideas, Hopes & Concerns
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-April 30, 2025-The City of Steamboat Springs and the Yampa Valley Housing Authority (YVHA), in partnership with Community Builders and Civic Canopy, are engaging the Steamboat Springs community to chart a workable path for the future of Brown Ranch. The first community workshop kicks off the Community Involvement portion of the process.
A year ago, the community was divided over the proposal to build substantial amounts of affordable housing at Brown Ranch, a large undeveloped parcel of land owned by the YVHA, located west of city limits.
In March 2024, after years of planning, voters rejected a proposal to annex Brown Ranch into the city. While this answered one question, it’s also raised lots of others about the future growth, housing, and transportation issues.
Today, much of the community remains divided on the future of the Brown Ranch property, as well as related questions of how Steamboat Springs should grow, if or how to provide affordable homes for those seeking opportunities to live closer to work and services available in Steamboat Springs, and how to sustain the sense of community in the face of such changes and challenges.
Two Colorado nonprofits, Community Builders and Civic Canopy, are currently leading the city and YVHA through a community solutions process to reconcile critical concerns, bridge divisions, rebuild community trust, and meaningfully engage community members in learning and problem-solving around Brown Ranch.
As part of the process, a community workshop is being held Thursday, May 8 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Howelsen Hill’s Olympian Hall, 845 Howelsen Parkway. The evening session will look to help develop a shared vision the community can get behind. Perspectives from all sides are being sought so interactive dialogue can identify hopes, concerns and a future direction.
Over the next several months, the team will host small group conversations, larger community events (like the upcoming workshop), and online learning activities, inviting the community to share their ideas, hopes, and concerns. Sign up and follow the project on EngageSteamboat to stay informed and have your voice heard.
Contact
Brad Calvert, Principal Planner, 970-871-8214 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970-871-8220 or email
Emily Hines, Marketing & Communications Supervisor, 970-871-7031 or email
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