The Aspen-Pitkin County Housing Authority, having spent years studying what happens when too many people compete for too little space, has opened an immersive demonstration inside its own office.
The authority says its office has "reached and exceeded capacity." One of its 15 employees works in a converted break room. Two deputy directors share a cubicle. Another employee works in an emergency exit, which is apparently what counts as workforce housing when the workforce works for the housing authority.
APCHA is requesting a $590,270 increase in its annual subsidy from the City of Aspen and Pitkin County. That would lift the subsidy from $1.29 million in 2026 to $1.88 million in 2027.
The proposed rescue package includes $450,000 to convert storage and break-room space into five offices, a conference room and new storage. APCHA also wants $125,000 for a Trex deck and $18,000 for ADA door operators.
The remodel would create a net four offices and restore a luxury the building's occupants have presumably heard about but cannot currently enjoy: an emergency exit that exits.
The city and county will now decide whether to fund APCHA's escape from its own housing crisis.