09/02/2026
The BUILD Scholars Summer 2026 Final Report is here, and this cohort delivered.
18 paid undergraduate and graduate leaders. 8 weeks. 2,880 hours. 30+ housing and community development projects. 200+ Colorado municipalities engaged. 800+
partners and community members reached.
They more than doubled last year’s program (7 → 18) and turned just over $180,000 into statewide work: Prop 123 research, tenant-protection analysis, RFP playbooks, affordability dashboards, community reports, education campaigns, and real time with the people shaping housing policy.
They connected with Governor Jared Polis, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, Attorney General Phil Weiser, DOLA, CHFA, and dozens of mentors who opened the door and kept it open.
This is what happens when young leaders are supported, mentored, and put at the table.
Read the full Summer 2026 Final Reportattached to this post and see the work by region.
Huge thanks to Housing Colorado and every funder, mentor, and host who made this possible — including CHFA, DOLA, OEDIT, Amazon, U.S. Bank, Walmart, Daniels
Fund, Denver Foundation, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, Pikes Peak Real Estate Foundation, Weld Trust, Bloom Foundation, Colorado Concern, Colorado Gives Foundation, College Track, Housing Equity, Joseph Henry Edmondson Foundation, Lane Foundation, David
Lord, Ted Leighty, and our retreat partners.
Questions or want to get involved: Ethan Gutterman,
[email protected]
BuildStrongFoundation HousingColorado
