Week of December 8, 2022
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An edition of the Littleton Independent A publication of
VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 3
Talent of all ages highlights Centennial Holiday Artisan Market Plenty of entertainment BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
With voter approval, Colorado will embark on how to have more affordable housing statewide.
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Affordable housing initiative could face rocky future Proposition 123 was approved by Colorado voters BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Few issues affect Coloradans as much as rising housing prices. The state will take a step toward addressing the problem — to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars per year — as officials implement SEE HOUSING, P2
WHAT COLORADO CURRENTLY DOES ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING The state partners with local communities to increase and preserve Colorado’s affordable housing stock, manage rentalassistance vouchers, and address homelessness, says the state’s “blue book” voter guide, noting the state Department of Local Affairs is involved. The current budget for the department’s affordable housing initiatives is about $200 million, about half of which is from state sources, with the rest coming from federal sources. Since 2021, the state has allocated more than $1.2 billion from the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for
affordable housing and services that address housing insecurity, lack of affordable and workforce housing, or homelessness. (The Urban Land Institute defines “workforce” households as those earning between 60% and 120% of the area median income.) These are one-time funds that will be spent over the next several years on: • Emergency rental assistance; • Homeowner mortgage assistance; • Tax credits for developers; • Housing and infrastructure; • And other housing solutions, such as manufactured homes.
As she twirled, jumped and danced her heart out at Centennial Center Park, 11-yearold Onyx Toney was among local talent who brought holiday cheer to the city on Dec. 3. It was her first time performing with the Metropolitan Academy of Dance, one of several musical ensembles who took center stage as part of Centennial’s annual Holiday Artisan Market event. “It was awesome! I absolutely loved it. I had so much fun,” said Toney, a dancer since the age of 3. “I love being on stage, and like, it makes me so happy.” Other musical performances included young artists with Amplified Arts, a local performing arts studio, and elementary school musical groups. Proudly watching from the crowd was Toney’s mother, Mary Jackson. “It was fun just to see all the kids of all ages do what they do best,” Jackson said. “Really got us ready for the holidays.” For Mayor Stephanie Piko, one of her favorite parts of the event was watching the elementary school children perform. SEE CELEBRATION, P20
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 17 | SPORTS: PAGE 24
WARM SPOT FOR WINTER PRODUCE
Packing container to bring farming downtown
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