Dear Neighbors,

Given the perpetuated narrative that the Yampa Valley Housing Authority (YVHA) is “untrustworthy” and continued attacks on its Executive Director, Jason Peasley, I want to present a much needed, and lacking, contrasting point of view.

I offer this as an experienced commercial real estate developer and long-standing volunteer with YVHA. I am neither a member of nor speaking on behalf of the YHVA Board of Directors.

Transparency

The YVHA was established in 2003 by Routt County and the City Council. The YVHA Board of Directors includes two ex officio members, one from each entity. That alone creates transparency and accountability

The “soil test controversy” doesn’t stand up to scrutiny. Soil conditions at Brown Ranch are consistent with those throughout west Steamboat, have been known for decades, and don’t preclude developing affordable housing for locals. YVHA successfully developed The Reserves on similar soils in 2017.

 Trust

When Jason Peasley became Executive Director in 2012, the organization’s equity was approximately $2.3 Million; now it’s $37.6 Million.

This base has been leveraged into 551 homes, developed or in the pipeline: eighty-six condominiums for sale, due in Q1 2026.

I suggest we consider an extended leave for Mr. Peasley well-deserved. This is not an unusual one-time benefit for public sector employers to offer.

Let’s rebalance the conversation and shift the focus to the real issue at hand: the urgent need for affordable housing and the collaborative efforts underway to provide it.

Thanks for listening,

Bob Schneider