Clearing the path to homeownership in Mesa County
By Mesa County Commissioner Bobbie Daniel
In Mesa County, we understand that housing isn’t just about walls and roofs — it’s about people. It’s about opportunity, stability and the ability to put down roots in the place you love. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a young family looking for space to grow or a retiree hoping to age in place, access to attainable housing is one of the most important ingredients in a thriving community.
Housing is a foundational pillar that supports strong families, a resilient economy and healthy neighborhoods. It impacts everything from education to health care to workforce stability. Mesa County is leading with action — implementing zoning flexibility, streamlining permitting, adopting innovative technology and investing in the tools that empower local builders, buyers and families.
We’ve transformed how we process permits. Every permit — residential, commercial, industrial or civic — can now be submitted electronically. Same-day approvals for common permits like roofing and solar save time and reduce costs. These changes matter because permitting delays often drive up expenses and create unnecessary hurdles.
We also formally adopted a 90-day expedited review process for affordable housing under Proposition 123. But here’s what sets us apart: Mesa County didn’t have to change much. We were already meeting this standard because we’ve long operated with an ethos of efficiency and respect. We treat every applicant like their project matters — because it does. We simply formalized what was already working.
This isn’t just policy — it’s our philosophy. By removing red tape, we help developers move faster, families access housing sooner and seniors stay close to support networks.
Mesa County is also embracing technology to enhance its services. Our building inspectors now utilize Starlink internet, enabling real-time access to plans in the field. We’re also one of just a few counties selected to pilot an AI-assisted permitting system, supported by a $50,000 grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. This new tool allows developers to upload documents, have the AI instantly flag missing items and ensure submissions are complete before they’re reviewed. This saves time, cuts costs and gets homes online faster.
At the heart of these innovations is a belief that government should work with people, not against them. Our upgraded MaintStar platform now provides residents and applicants with an intuitive hub to track permits, communicate with staff and receive timely updates.
Of course, streamlining alone isn’t enough — we also need flexible policies. That’s why Mesa County allows multi-family housing in all commercial zones, as well as modular, manufactured and prefabricated homes in every residential zone. We also support Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and tiny homes, which allow property owners to add housing without major infrastructure expansions.
To help developers succeed, we launched an Affordable Housing Toolkit with clear guidance on local incentives, regulations and resources. Because when builders succeed, families win.
This year, Mesa County committed $5 million in Private Activity Bonds (PABs) to support homeownership in partnership with the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA). Since 2014, we’ve deployed more than $48 million in PABs, helping local residents buy or renovate homes, access down payment assistance and secure financing. These funds quietly power real results for families across the valley.
We also partner with groups like Housing Resources of Western Colorado, which provide renovation support, homebuyer education and landlord-tenant guidance — ensuring the path to housing is supported every step of the way.
Another key to our progress is the Land Development Code Focus Group — a diverse, community-driven panel of developers, engineers and residents who work directly with staff to improve our code. This group has been instrumental in identifying duplicative processes, clarifying policies, and ensuring we focus on meaningful benchmarks. Their feedback helps staff operate with greater clarity and gives the public a voice in shaping better outcomes.
Growing up in the Grand Valley, I saw firsthand how workforce housing shaped my own family’s future. It gave us stability, security and the freedom to dream. That’s what we’re working to protect for the next generation.
In Mesa County, we believe in the power of local solutions and partnerships. We have the tools. We have the talent. And we have the will to lead — right here, right now.
Because when we clear barriers, trust our people and invest in innovation, we don’t just build homes — we build futures.
The American Dream still lives here. And the future is being built — right here at home.
