Steamboat Springs and Routt County leaders this week will complete the initial planning phase for the proposed Slate Creek Neighborhood, formerly known as Brown Ranch, as they work to revive the stalled affordable housing project, states a Monday news release.

The Slate Creek Steering Committee’s final three-hour meetings of the first phase are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday of this week, aiming to wrap up the governance formation process and initiate a project planning process.

The effort follows the project’s failed annexation attempt in 2024 and is aimed at creating a more structured and collaborative course of action inclusive of broad community engagement. 

Most recently, the governance group’s work has focused on defining roles and decision-making authority among the city, county and Yampa Valley Housing Authority, which owns the property.

City staff presented a West Steamboat constraints analysis to the Steamboat Springs City Council on June 2, stating that roughly 400 to 500 housing units can be constructed, with drinking water capacity continuing to serve as the primary limiting factor.

Elected officials have acknowledged ongoing frustration with the project’s pace, as leaders emphasize the need to rebuild public trust moving forward.