HomeMy WebLinkAboutKimverly Ochko_22-FEB-26February 20, 2026
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is Kimberly Ochko, and I serve as Sr Vice President of Finance at Gould Construction. I
am writing in support of the Harvest Roaring Fork project.
I have raised myfamily here in the Roaring Fork Valley. This community has given my children an
incredible place to grow up, learn, and thrive. Today, they have graduated from college and have
developed valuable skillsets they are eager to bring back to the place they know and love.
Unfortunately, like manyyoung professionals, they are finding it impossible to secure housing that
aligns with anew graduate's financial capabilities. It is incredibly disheartening for them to search
the local market with most homes for sale priced well over a million dollars.
Affordability in the valley has become one of the most pressing challenges facing our community.
Even down valley, options are limited and often priced well beyond what early -career professionals
can reasonably afford. This reality makes it extremely difficult for the next generation of teachers,
healthcare providers, engineers, tradespeople, and other skilled professionals, to return and invest
their talents here.
From a financial and economic perspective, a healthy community depends on a stable, local
workforce at every stage of life and career. Projects like Harvest Roaring Fork, which will include
attainable and deed -restricted housing options for full-time local workers, are essential to
maintaining that balance. While I understand that another development feels as if our valley is
losing its charm, I also recognize that the services that we rely on are simply not sustainable if the
employee base that runs them cannot afford to live here. It is easy to say no more development
when you already have your housing secured, or if have the blessing of family wealth. However, the
majority of the workforce in the valley doesn't happen to fall into that category. Providing housing
opportunities that serve young professionals, working families, and long-term residents alike is
critical to sustaining the vitality and economic resilience of the Roaring Fork Valley.
Harvest and the requirements the County has added to the project represent an opportunity to
thoughtfully address our housing challenges while supporting the working class and strengthening
the future of our community. I strongly encourage support for this important project.
Sincerel/,
imberly Ochko
Sr Vice President of Finance
Gould Construction