The Housing Catalyst Fund, established by the La Plata Economic Development Alliance, is a public-private partnership designed to provide seed funding for below-market housing development in La Plata County. The Fund supports critical pre-development activities such as feasibility studies, environmental assessments, and architectural planning—costs that are often underfunded yet essential to determining project feasibility.
Since its launch, the Housing Catalyst Fund has invested more than $600,000 in predevelopment grants, supporting 538 below-market workforce housing units across La Plata County. These investments help projects move from concept to construction while expanding the region’s supply of attainable housing.
The Housing Catalyst Fund is accepting applications year-round. Applications are reviewed by the Housing Catalyst Fund Committee, with funding decisions based on project readiness and community impact. For questions or additional information, contact libby@yeslpc.com.
The Catalyst Fund Committee approves funding guidelines, reviews applications to the fund, and approves funding allocations. Applications are accepted all year-round and reviewed on a rolling basis.
Interested and eligible applicants will submit an LOI with a proposed project that meets the above target housing types and, if selected, will receive an award letter based on their proposed project size to support project development. Selected projects also receive up to 10 hours of technical assistance from a regional housing consultant and guidance from local public agencies on land use and development requirements.
The Housing Catalyst Fund is available to local nonprofit organizations, private developers, and local public agencies proposing below-market workforce housing projects in La Plata County. Eligible applicants using state and federal subsidies must commit to providing at least 25% of available units at below-market prices.
If the applicant is using private or local funds for the proposed project, they must describe how many units can be set-aside at below-market prices. Below-market is defined as housing that can be delivered to local community members at the following prices:
The Catalyst Fund awards are issued in the form of a grant ranging from $25,000-$100,000. If awarded, grant agreements require that applicants provide quarterly progress reports that detail the following outcomes:
The Catalyst Fund Committee approves all funding guidelines, reviews applications to the fund, and approves funding allocations and is comprised of the following individuals:
Kent Curtis, First SW Bank
Mike French, City of Durango
Laura Lewis-Marachino, Region 9
Chris Lopez, CHFA
Adam Rogers, La Plata County
Weylin Ryan, Town of Ignacio
Pat Vaughn, RHA
