Housing Stories

For Equalized Productions, an audio-video integration and live event production company in Arvada, the lack of affordable housing is no longer just a personal issue for employees—it’s now an ongoing management concern for owner, Liz Kistler. The company’s ten full-time and several part-time staff all earn between 60–120% of Area Median Income ($55,000-$155,000), and only one lives in Arvada. Most would prefer to live closer to work, yet high costs make that nearly impossible.

Marshall and On Tap Credit Union have developed an internal employee mortgage program and broader community housing incentives. Still, OnTap is limited in what they can provide on their own to address housing needs.

For Lutheran’s nearly 1,700 employees, 50% of which are middle-income earners making between $55,000–$155,000/yr (or 60–120% of Area Median Income), the shortage of affordable housing options means many staff face long commutes, the difficult choice of living with multiple roommates or staying with parents well into adulthood.