The Role of Affordable Housing in Denver’s Economic Growth – My Analysis as Dr Connor Robertson

Everywhere I go in Denver, whether it’s a meeting with entrepreneurs, a conversation with policymakers, or a discussion with community leaders, one issue always rises to the surface: affordable housing. It’s not just a topic for housing advocates or city planners. It’s a business issue, a community issue, and, in my view, the single most important factor shaping Denver’s future growth.

As Dr Connor Robertson, through my consulting work and my perspective with Hedge Capital, I’ve come to see affordable housing as more than a social goal. It’s a foundation for economic stability and long-term business success. Without it, Denver risks losing the very people and companies that make the city strong.

Why Affordable Housing Is Essential for Denver Businesses

Housing affordability isn’t just about where people live it determines whether they can stay in Denver, contribute to the workforce, and participate in the community.

In my conversations with business leaders, I hear the same challenges:

• Employees struggle to find housing near work.
• Rising rents increase turnover.
• Businesses lose valuable talent to other markets with more affordable options.

From my perspective, affordable housing isn’t separate from economic growth. It’s the foundation that makes growth possible.

How Housing Shapes Recruitment and Retention

One of the clearest connections between housing and business is in recruitment. If people can’t afford to live in Denver, they’ll look elsewhere.

I’ve worked with companies that discovered too late that their recruitment challenges weren’t about salaries or benefits, they were about housing. As Connor Robertson, I help leaders see this connection early, so they can address it strategically.

Retention is just as critical. Even the most loyal employees face hard choices when housing costs rise beyond their means. Affordable housing ensures businesses can keep their talent and maintain stability.

Short-Term Rentals and the Affordability Debate

Short-term rentals often complicate the conversation. While they bring income opportunities to property owners and flexibility for visitors, they also put pressure on housing availability.

In my consulting work, I frame short-term rentals as part of the bigger picture. They’re not inherently good or bad, they’re part of the system. But in Denver, if short-term rentals grow without balance, affordability suffers. That’s why businesses need to pay attention, even if they’re not directly in real estate. The ripple effects are real.

The Economic Ripple Effects of Affordable Housing

When affordable housing is prioritized, the entire economy benefits.

• Businesses Grow More Sustainably – Companies can recruit and retain staff more easily.
• Communities Stabilize – Neighborhoods stay cohesive, which supports local spending.
• Entrepreneurs Thrive – New businesses launch more confidently when their employees can afford to live nearby.

Through Hedge Capital, I’ve seen how closely housing and economic outcomes are linked. It’s not abstract, it’s measurable.

My Framework for Understanding Housing and Growth

When I consult with Denver leaders, I use a simple but effective framework to connect housing to business growth:

1. Assess Current Housing Access – Are employees able to live within a reasonable distance from work?
2. Identify Affordability Gaps – Where are rising costs creating risks for turnover?
3. Evaluate Policy Impacts – How do short-term rental rules, zoning laws, or development incentives affect the equation?
4. Build Long-Term Strategies – How can businesses align growth with community housing needs?

This framework makes housing part of the strategy, not an afterthought.

Why I Care About This Issue Personally

For me, this isn’t just a professional observation. As Connor Robertson, I care deeply about the connection between housing and community stability. I’ve seen the human side employees commuting long distances, families being priced out, and neighborhoods struggling to adapt.

Affordable housing isn’t about charity. It’s about making sure Denver continues to be a place where people want to live, work, and build their futures.

Final Thoughts

Affordable housing is not a side issue in Denver’s economic growth it is the issue. Without it, businesses struggle, communities weaken, and opportunities slip away.

As Dr Connor Robertson, my role is to make sure leaders understand this connection clearly. Through Hedge Capital and my consulting work, I’ve made it a priority to highlight housing as a business strategy, not just a social talking point.

If Denver wants to remain one of the most dynamic cities in the country, affordable housing must be at the center of the conversation. That’s not just my professional opinion it’s my personal commitment to the future of this city.