The Colorado Middle Income Housing Authority (MIHA), the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), and the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) have marked the start of construction for Galena Apartments in Frisco. The project will bring 54 rental units aimed at middle-income workers.
Governor Polis commented on the development, stating, “Expanding access to housing people can afford is incredibly important for Coloradans, businesses and communities. To truly thrive, we need more housing now for people at every budget. I am thrilled we are taking this important step to help workers in our mountain region and Frisco access homes near work, school, and all that Colorado has to offer.”
Galena Apartments will be located within walking distance of downtown Frisco. The homes are designed to be energy efficient and meet U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home standards. They will serve residents earning between 80% and 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI), including teachers, first responders, medical professionals, and local government staff.
Peter LiFari, MIHA Board President, said, “Housing isn’t just about where we sleep—it’s about where we belong. MIHA invests in communities like Frisco so the people who teach our kids, heal our loved ones and keep our towns vibrant can build their lives in the same places they uplift daily. Frisco deserves that kind of rootedness—and so do the people who make it home.”
In July 2025, MIHA issued its first tax exempt bonds totaling $18.6 million to support both acquisition and construction costs for Galena Apartments. These funds will be loaned to NHP Foundation, which is developing and owning the property.
Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of OEDIT stated: “OEDIT is thrilled to support MIHA’s work to create more housing options that are affordable for Coloradans, and we are excited to celebrate the groundbreaking of Galena Apartments in Frisco. This initiative showcases the shared commitment between local, regional and state partners to create more housing now.”
Additional funding came from a $4 million grant through DOLA’s Strong Communities Infrastructure program as well as $375,898 from DOLA’s Energy/Mineral Impact Assistance Fund More Housing Now Initiative. These programs encourage land use practices that align with sustainable growth goals while addressing local needs.
Maria De Cambra, Executive Director of DOLA added: “Colorado Department of Local Affairs’ mission is to strengthen Colorado communities, and we know workforce housing is one of the largest barriers that our mountain communities face. We’re proud to contribute to the Galena Apartments, bringing housing that’s affordable to the teachers, first responders and nurses who provide critical services to the people of Frisco. They deserve to live where they work.”
The Town of Frisco and Summit County also contributed support for this project. Demolition on site was completed in June; infrastructure work is ongoing.
MIHA was created by state legislation in 2022 as an independent authority focused on supporting affordable rental initiatives for middle-income workers across Colorado. Its main tools include tax exempt bonds as well as potential public-private partnerships.
OEDIT works statewide with economic development partners by offering funding programs along with business training resources across industries.
DOLA provides financial assistance plus technical services such as training for community leaders on governance issues including housing.
