💸 The Writing’s on the Mountain

When the cost of living leaves people priced out of their own town, it’s impossible to ignore—even when you’re trying to. Salida’s “S” now carries a message that’s hard to miss: housing affordability isn’t just a policy issue—it’s a crisis etched into daily life.

There’s the story they tell, and then there’s the truth. When leadership tries to spin the narrative, I bring the receipts.

Some people on the board of the CHA and on Salida City Council act like accountability is a personal attack. If basic oversight feels unbearable, they’re in the wrong job.

Use the proper channels’ is usually code for ‘stop making us uncomfortable.’ The system protects itself—real change happens outside it.

When leaders can’t defend their policies, they attack the people challenging them. Maybe if they were doing their jobs right, they wouldn’t feel so threatened.

When leadership fails, the community steps up. Real change happens when we stop waiting for permission and start demanding accountability.

Groupthink doesn’t solve housing crises—it perpetuates them. It’s time to challenge the status quo and push for real solutions that actually work for the community.

Affordable housing isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a necessity. The truth is, we’ve been talking in circles while real people struggle. Time to face facts and take action.

At my CHA board interview, I told commissioners: this board is full of experts, but it’s missing real community representation. Housing policy has to work for locals—not just on paper.

Affordable housing isn’t just about funding -it’s about listening to the community, planning ahead, and prioritizing locals.

We need leadership that’s transparent, accountable, and willing to take bold steps

JANURARY CHA BOARD UPDATE