The City of Fruita is putting the finishing touches on its comprehensive housing needs assessment and will ask the city council to adopt an official housing action plan at the January 20 meeting. Community feedback collected over the past year shows strong demand for more workforce housing, affordable units, multi-family options, and accessory dwelling units in the fast-growing western Colorado city.
Planning director Henry Hemphill says the study confirms what many residents already feel: housing costs are putting serious pressure on families and local workers.
What Residents Told the City
During months of public meetings, online surveys, and open houses, Fruita residents made their priorities clear. They want more housing that middle-income workers can actually afford, not just high-end homes for retirees or second-home buyers.
Key concerns raised by the community include:
• Rapidly rising home prices and rents that outpace local wages
• Lack of rental options for young families and seasonal workers
• Need for “missing middle” housing like duplexes, townhomes, and cottage courts
• Strong support for allowing accessory dwelling units on existing single-family lots
Hemphill says the volume of feedback shows people care deeply about keeping Fruita livable for everyone who works here.
Projects Already Moving Forward
While the study wrapped up, the city has not waited to act. Two major workforce and affordable housing projects are already in the pipeline.
Completed Developments and Projects Under Construction
| Project Name | Type | Units | Status | Target Residents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruita Mews | Affordable apartments | 48 | Completed, fully occupied | Households up to 60% AMI |
| The Oaks | Workforce housing | 62 | Under construction | Teachers, first responders, service workers |
The full occupancy at Fruita Mews proves the demand for income-restricted housing remains extremely high, according to city officials.
New Cash Incentive for Accessory Dwelling Units
One of the most popular ideas from the public was making it easier and cheaper to add granny flats or backyard cottages. The city listened.
Fruita secured a $75,000 grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs and added $25,000 from its own budget to create a two-year reimbursement program.
Homeowners who build an approved accessory dwelling unit will get all water and sewer tap fees plus building permit fees paid back by the city. The program runs until the $100,000 fund is exhausted or through the end of 2026.
Hemphill says early interest has been strong and several applications are already in review.
What Happens After January 20
If the council adopts the action plan on January 20, it will become the official roadmap for housing policy over the next five to ten years.
The plan is expected to include updated zoning rules, new partnerships with developers, continued state grant pursuits, and targeted strategies to keep teachers, city employees, and service workers housed in the community they serve.
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the Fruita Community Center, and the public is encouraged to attend and speak during the public comment period.
City leaders say every voice matters as Fruita works to stay an affordable, welcoming place for current residents and the next generation.
What do you think Fruita should do next to solve its housing crunch? Drop your thoughts in the comments and share this article with anyone who calls Fruita home.
