2026 Montrose County Housing Needs Assessment

Section I. Purpose and Intent
A. Montrose County is inviting proposals from qualified firms of consultants to
conduct a comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) that contains the
required components of SB24-174 for the defined limits outlined in subsequent
sections of this report. Montrose County intends to use the findings to form a
Housing Action Plan as required by SB24-174 at a future date.
Section II. Administrative Information
A. ISSUING OFFICE: This Request for Proposals (RFP) is being issued by the
Montrose County Planning and Development Department (Planning).
B. INTENT: It is the intent of this RFP to provide all prospective consultants with
sufficient information to enable them to prepare and submit a Proposal for
creation of a Housing Needs Assessment for Montrose County in accordance
with the requirements from Senate Bill 24-174. The proposals will be reviewed for
consideration by an evaluation team approved by Montrose County.
C. INQUIRIES: All inquiries in response to this RFP shall be made in writing to the
email address provided in this section. All responses will be made in writing in
the form of an addendum. To be considered, written inquiries must be received
by the deadline stated in Section II.E, Calendar of Events.
Tallmadge Richmond, Planning and Development Director
Email: trichmond@montrosecounty.net
D. ADDENDA: Any interpretations, corrections and changes to this RFP or
extensions to the opening/receipt date shall be made by a written Addendum.
Sole authority to authorize addenda shall be vested in the Montrose County
representative listed above. Addenda will be issued electronically through
https://www.montrosecounty.net/Bids.aspx . Consultant shall acknowledge
receipt of all addenda in their proposal.
E. TENTATIVE CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
RFP Release: October 8, 2026
Questions Deadline: October 20, 2026, 5:00PM (MST)
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Question Responses: October 22, 2026
Submittal Deadline for RFP: November 11, 2026, 2:00
PM (MST)
Contract Award: November 2026
Final Housing Needs Assessment Approval: July 2027
F. SUBMISSION: Submit the sealed proposal package to Montrose County,
Attention: Tallmadge Richmond, 63160 LaSalle Road, Montrose, CO 81401 no
later than November 11, 2026 at 2:00 PM, MDT our clock. Late proposals shall
not be considered. Proposals will be recorded on Wednesday, November 11,
2026 at 2:05 PM at Montrose County Public Works Board Room located at 63160
LaSalle Road, Montrose, CO 81401.
G. REJECTION OF SUBMITTALS: Montrose County reserves the right to accept or
reject any or all submittals received in response to this solicitation. Montrose
County further reserves the right to waive any informalities and/or minor
irregularities in submittals received, if deemed to be in the best interest of
Montrose County.
The submittal shall be rejected if the submittal does not follow and does not
include each element as outlined in Section III Submission Requirements and
Instructions.
H. PROPRIETARY INFORMATION: All submittals, in response to this request,
become public record and become subject to public inspection. Any confidential
information contained in your submittals must be clearly identified as such or it
will not be treated as confidential or proprietary by Montrose County and then
only to the extent allowable by law in the Open Records Act. Unrestricted
disclosure of proprietary or confidential information by the Agency places it in the
public domain. Proprietary or confidential information is defined by Montrose
County to be any information that is not generally known to the competitors and
which may provide a competitive advantage. Submittals in their entirety cannot
be specified confidential or proprietary.
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I. SUBMITTAL OWNERSHIP: All materials submitted with regard to this solicitation
become the property of Montrose County and will only be returned at Montrose
County's sole discretion.
J. OPEN RECORD: Identify for non-disclosure purposes any information contained
within the proposal that is proprietary in nature or protected by copyright,
trademark, or other intellectual property law. Montrose County agrees to maintain
confidentiality of such materials to the extent permitted by law, but advises all
proposers that the County is subject to the provisions of the Colorado Open
Records Act (CORA), C.R.S. 24-72-201, et seq., and cannot therefor guarantee
that any materials provided will not be produced in response to a CORA request
K. EXPENSES: Expenses incurred by prospective respondents in preparation,
submission, and presentation of this RFP are the responsibility of the
respondents and cannot be charged to Montrose County.
L. ASSIGNMENT: The selected Agency shall not sell, assign, transfer or convey
any contract resulting from this RFP in whole or in part without prior written
approval from Montrose County. Any claims for payment due to the provider from
Montrose County under this contract may not be assigned to a bank, trust
company, or other financial institution or bankruptcy trustee without the prior
written approval by Montrose County.
M. INDEMNIFICATION: The awarded Contractor shall defend, indemnify, and save
harmless Montrose County, State of Colorado, and all its officers, employees,
insurers, and self-insurance pool, from and against all liability, suits, actions, or
other claims of any character, name and description brought for or on account of
any injuries or damages received or sustained by any person, persons, or
property on account of any negligent act or fault of the Contractor, or of any
Contractor's agent, employee, sub-consultant, or supplier in the execution of, or
performance under, any contract which may result from Qualification award.
Contractor shall pay any judgment with cost which may be obtained against
Montrose County growing out of such injury or damages.
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N. SALES TAX: Montrose County is, by statute, exempt from the State Sales Tax
and Federal Excise Tax; therefore, all fees shall not include taxes.
Section III. Scope of Services
A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This proposal is for creation of a Housing Needs Assessment for Montrose
County in accordance with the requirements from Senate Bill 24-174.
B. SCOPE OF SERVICES
The assessment must include the outputs specified below (see C.R.S. 24-32-
3702(1)(c)&(d)). These outputs are discussed in greater detail in guidance
published by the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) and are linked at this link.
1. Housing Stock: Estimate existing housing stock in unincorporated Montrose
County.
2. Estimate Housing Needs: Estimate housing needs in unincorporated
Montrose County, sorted by income level and dwelling type which includes
accessible units, visitable units, supportive units, for-sale units, and rental
units. For definitions of accessible and visitable units see C.R.S. 24-32-3701,
Definitions.
3. Number of Households: Estimate the number of households within
unincorporated Montrose County.
4. Jobs by Salary: Estimate the number of jobs within unincorporated Montrose
County, sorted by annual salary and wage.
5. Allocate Housing Needs: Distribute housing needs across jurisdictions based
on job availability and local economic dependencies, among other factors.
6. Displacement Risk: Identify areas with elevated risks of displacement within
unincorporated Montrose County.
7. Recommended policy and programmatic responses to the findings of the
housing needs assessment, including the assessment of displacement risk
(C.R.S. 24-32-3702(1)(e)(I).
8. Water Supply Needs: Estimate water supply needs for existing dwelling units
and estimated housing needs, using per capita usage rates identified in
consultation with the Department of Natural Resources.
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The assessment must include the following baseline data components that must
be considered when estimating the required HNA outputs listed above (C.R.S.
24-32-3702(2)). These inputs are discussed in greater detail at this link in the
Housing Needs Assessment Guidelines published by DOLA.
a. Existing and projected housing shortages and surpluses for different
household types and income levels, including extremely low-, very low-,
low-, moderate-, and middle-income households as designated by the
United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
b. Existing housing diversity and stock, capturing the range and types of
available housing.
c. Current jobs by income level to understand economic conditions and
employee housing needs.
d. Median income, providing as basis for housing affordability analysis.
e. Population change projections, job growth projections, and demographic
trends forecasted by the State Demography Office.
f. Population and demographics, understanding age, household
characteristics, and income, which affect housing needs and affordability.
g. Measures of local resources dedicated to affordable housing
development.
h. Vacancy rates to assess housing availability and utilization.
i. Homelessness and housing instability indicating areas of critical need.
j. Job-housing balance, including the availability of housing for low-income
workers.
Task 1: Information and Data Gathering
1.1 Data Gathering for the baseline data components listed above. The consultant
will gather data related to housing needs and displacement risk as prescribed by
Senate Bill 24-174. When available, the consultant shall use publicly available
data to build the HNA.
1.2 The HNA must align with the goals and policies of Montrose County. The
selected consultant will be required to thoroughly review and assess existing
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plans, codes, policies, and other pertinent documents to ensure that the HNA is
fully informed by the ongoing efforts and priorities of the County. This review will
assist in Task 2, ensuring that data collection and community engagement
processes are consistent, comprehensive, and not redundant.
The consultant should examine and incorporate a wide range of relevant studies
and plans, including, but not limited to:
* Master Plans
* Zoning Regulations, Building Codes, and related regulatory documents
* HUD consolidated Plans
* Departmental Annual Reports
This review will ensure the HNA is grounded in the broader planning framework of the
County, contributing to a cohesive approach to addressing housing needs and guiding
future development efforts in addition to meeting the requirements of SB24-174.
Task 2: Public Engagement
2.1 Involve residents, employers, and community stakeholders in the HNA process to
better understand and articulate the housing challenges and to refine
recommendations so they are more attuned to the community's needs. Use a
variety of engagement methods to collect a statistically significant and
meaningful amount of input. These methods may include, but are not limited to,
surveys, micro-surveys, journey mapping, focus groups, one-on-one interviews,
as well as gathering feedback at community facilities, public events, or open
houses.
2.2 SB 24-174 requires completed HNAs to be presented at a public meeting for
input prior to submitting the study to DOLA.
Task 3: Housing Needs Assessment
3.1 The consultant will review and analyze the data collected in Task 1 and through
public outreach to produce a comprehensive HNA, complete with detailed
analysis, charts, and maps as applicable. The HNA must fully comply with the
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requirements of SB24-174 and include the outputs and baseline data specified in
earlier sections of this scope.
The HNA should follow the structure outlined in the SB24-174 methodology
provided by the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). This methodology includes
suggested tables and formats for presenting data in a manner that meets SB24-
174's specifications. The framework will help organize both state-mandated
outputs and recommended information into a cohesive and comprehensive HNA.
This includes:
* Demographic Trends: This section establishes a foundation for
understanding shifts in population, household characteristics, and income
levels, which directly influence housing demand and needs.
* Economic Trends: This section analyzes the relationship between jobs,
wages, and housing to assess whether the existing housing supply
adequately meets the needs of the workforce.
* Housing Inventory: This section examines the condition, variety, and
quantity of housing units to identify gaps based on demographic and
economic demands.
* Housing Market Trends and Availability: This section evaluates how housing
market dynamics - such as rental prices, sales patterns, and available
supply - affect housing affordability and availability for different income
groups and household types.
* Housing Problems: This section investigates housing challenges, including
cost burden, overcrowding, homelessness, and instability, offering insights
into the need for targeted housing programs and addressing unique housing
needs.
* Housing Resources: This section identifies financial, institutional, and
community resources that can support housing programs and contribute to
the development maintenance, and preservation of affordable housing.
* Housing Development Challenges and Opportunities: This section explores
barriers to housing development, such as regulatory hurdles, costs, and
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community concerns, as well as opportunities to expand housing
production, such as partnerships and land use.
* Current and Projected Housing Needs: This section synthesizes data from
all other areas to estimate the current and future housing needs across
various income levels.
Task 4: Recommendations
Based on findings included in the HNA, the consultant will identify barriers and propose
policies, programs, and strategies to address the housing needs of residents within
unincorporated Montrose County. This section is intended to offer preliminary
strategies, with a focus on improving housing affordability, accessibility, and stability,
laying the groundwork for the development of a future housing action plan (HAP).
Deliverables:
1. Draft Task 1, provide a report for review
2. Final Draft of Task 1
3. Draft Task 2, Public Engagement Plan
4. Draft of Task 3 for review
5. Draft of Task 4 for review
6. Substantially complete draft of Tasks 3 and 4 in a format ready to be submitted to
the State of Colorado for compliance review based on SB24-174 and
accessibility requirements.
7. Final Draft of Tasks 3 and 4
A. Budget
A budget totaling $75,000 has been established. It is the responsibility of the
Consultant to identify when and where the budgeted monies will be spent. It is
anticipated that this will be included in the bid document.
B. Project Team
Tallmadge Richmond, Planning and Development Department Director will be
the project manager, overseeing the HNA development and consultant
management. Local jurisdiction and regional coordination may include the City of
Montrose, Town of Olathe, Town of Nucla, and the Town of Naturita.
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C. Project Assumptions
a. If critical path issues are identified, the Consultant will create critical path
priorities for review.
b. Major challenges identified throughout the process will be discussed
between the Consultant and the Planning and Development Director and
appropriate paths clarified between the two.
c. All work shall be performed in a professional, workman-like manner, within
the project timetable, and in accordance with all applicable laws,
regulations, ordinances, codes, standards, and generally accepted
planning practices.
d. All work performed under this agreement shall be to the satisfaction of
Montrose County.
e. Payment will be issued to the Consultant within forty-five (45) days of
completion and receipt of an acceptable invoice. The invoice must
reference the Montrose County Housing Needs Assessment Project and
provide a breakdown by task, materials, equipment, and hours. Payment
is contingent upon inspection and acceptance of the work by Montrose
County. Quarterly invoices will be accepted.
Section IV. Submission Requirements and Instructions
A. LETTER OF INTEREST: A letter of interest shall be provided which succinctly
explains the Consultant's interest in the project. The letter shall contain the
name/address/phone number/email address of the person who will serve as the
principal contact person and shall identify individual(s) who will be authorized to
make presentations on behalf of the Consultant. The statement shall bear the
signature of the person having proper authority to make formal commitments on
behalf of the Consultant. By submitting a response to this solicitation, the
Consultant agrees to all requirements herein. Consultant shall also acknowledge
receipt of any and all addenda.
B. SIGNATURE PAGE: Completion of the Signature Page identified in Section VI.
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