For those of us who work in Summit County, how difficult is it becoming to buy or rent a decent place to live? Will the situation just get worse? What is being done?

 Our Future Summit will host a panel discussion to address these concerns and consider what constitutes affordable or attainable housing on Thursday, July 10^th from 7 to 9 pm at the Community & Senior Center near Frisco.

 With more than two-thirds of local housing units held by absentee owners and high-end residential development displacing the supply of reasonably-priced rental units, Summit County's full-time working residents face an uncertain future.

 Many of our teachers, first responders, health professionals, service employees and resort/hospitality industry workers are moving to bedroom communities in neighboring Lake, Grand, Park and Clear Creek Counties. They face increasing commuting costs as gas prices respond to growing worldwide demand and the declining value of the dollar.

 “Developing attainable housing in Summit County is an ever-growing challenge” says Jennifer Kermode, executive director of the Summit Combined Housing Authority and panel moderator.

 “We’ve got to have cooperative efforts from all the players, and a strong commitment to keep a middle-class community here. Then we can find solutions to help solve our dilemma.  Bringing the public into the discussion is key to our efforts,” she adds.

 Joining Kermode on the panel will be:

• City of Aspen mayor Mick Ireland

• Wellington neighborhood developer David O’Neil

• Summit County planner John Roberts

 The July 10th forum is free and open to the public. Doors at the Community Center will open at 6:30 p.m.. Light snacks and soft drinks will be available.

Our Future Summit is a “quality of life” institution dedicated to creating a better Summit County by providing monthly opportunities for informed discussion on topics of community interest.