By Jess Fuller, Senior Director of Economic Impact
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 nine 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.
Beyond the endless responsibilities of a small business owner—managing budgets, supervising staff, and marketing the business, just to name a few—Liz also invests time helping employees tackle housing hurdles. Recently, she helped an employee relocate to a reasonably affordable apartment in Arvada, even though the rent still stretched beyond their desired budget. Another team member dreams of homeownership but has found nothing affordable, even as a two-income household. For others, the reality is long commutes, shared living with relatives, or settling for neighborhoods where they have safety concerns.
It’s part of the team’s culture to discuss issues affecting work-life balance. The lack of affordable housing comes up regularly and has been identified as the primary challenge for the team. The company hasn’t lost anyone directly to housing costs, but retention now depends on creative support, personal involvement by leadership, and ongoing discussion with staff.At Equalized Productions—and for many businesses in Arvada—supporting employees now goes far beyond offering a competitive salary and benefits. Business owners are providing housing resources and serving as relocation counselors. They have been and continue to step up to help solve the workforce housing crisis, but they cannot do it in isolation. The Chamber’s B.O.L.D. 2026 Housing Work provides them with the support to do it in coordination with other business and community leaders, increasing the impact on everyone’s efforts and reducing the burden on businesses to tackle the housing issue alone.
Interested in sharing how your business has been impacted by housing? Take 15 minutes to share in this form! Your story will be featured on our website and shared to illustrate the need for income-aligned housing.
Want to go beyond sharing your story? Fill out the interest form to join our Business Housing Advocate Program. Business Housing Advocates provide testimony on housing initiatives that support the workforce and community, and provide support at public hearings as they’re available.
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