Affordable housing is one of the most pressing issues I see in Denver today. Every time I speak with families, professionals, or community leaders in the city, the same question comes up: how can Denver keep growing without leaving people behind? It’s a question I’ve thought about deeply, not just as someone who studies markets but as someone who wants to contribute to solutions that matter.
My name is Dr Connor Robertson, and I’ve spent my career at the intersection of business and social impact. For me, affordability isn’t just a financial term. It’s about dignity. It’s about making sure that the people who teach in Denver’s schools, serve in Denver’s hospitals, and build Denver’s businesses can actually live in the city they are helping to grow.
In this article, I want to share how I personally approach affordable housing in Denver, what I’ve seen that works, and why I believe the city has the chance to become a national leader in this area.
When I first began diving into Denver’s real estate market, I was struck by the stories of people who loved the city but were struggling to make it work financially. I met young professionals who moved here for job opportunities, only to find that rent took up most of their paychecks. I spoke with families who were forced to move farther away from downtown because they couldn’t keep up with rising costs.
For me, these aren’t abstract statistics. They’re real people. And when I think about affordability, I think about how housing impacts every other part of life. If someone is spending 50% or more of their income on rent, it affects their ability to save, to build wealth, and even to participate fully in the community.
As Dr Connor Robertson, I approach real estate with the belief that affordability is not optional. It’s foundational. Denver cannot thrive long-term unless its housing market makes sense for the people who live here.
A lot of people talk about affordable housing in terms of vision — big plans, ambitious policies, or sweeping initiatives. While those are important, I believe affordability also comes down to practicality. How do you make deals pencil out? How do you design homes that balance cost with livability? How do you attract investors without pricing out residents?
In my work, I’ve found that the answer lies in balance. Vision is essential — it gives direction. But practicality is what makes projects possible. In Denver, that might mean using creative financing models like seller carryback notes or shared-equity agreements. It might mean adapting existing properties rather than relying only on new construction. It might mean leaning on mid-term or co-living strategies to spread costs in a way that benefits both owners and residents.
I’ve structured deals this way myself, and I know it’s possible. The key is staying flexible and keeping the focus on outcomes that work for everyone.
In Denver, I’ve seen a few models that give me confidence about the future. For instance, shared housing arrangements have provided young professionals with the ability to live closer to the city center without being crushed by costs. Adaptive reuse projects have transformed underutilized properties into valuable housing. Even modest renovations — such as splitting a single-family home into multiple units — can make a major difference.
One story that stands out to me is of a group of professionals who pooled their resources to rent a larger house in Denver’s metro area. By dividing the rent, each person ended up saving hundreds of dollars per month, and the landlord still received strong income. That’s the kind of creativity I think Denver needs more of — solutions that meet residents where they are while keeping ownership attractive.
As Dr Connor Robertson, I believe the city should double down on these strategies. They’re not silver bullets, but they are building blocks.
Affordable housing in Denver won’t be solved by one side alone. It’s going to take coordination between policymakers, private developers, and the community. I’ve seen encouraging signs — local initiatives aimed at increasing density, tax incentives for affordable projects, and community organizations stepping up to advocate for residents.
But here’s where I think I can add value: bridging the gap between vision and execution. In my experience, too many affordable housing conversations stall at the idea stage. I want to see Denver push forward with actionable steps — concrete deals, shovel-ready projects, and partnerships that actually deliver roofs over people’s heads.