Diana Ionescu wrote:

While many locals in Colorado struggle to find affordable housing near their jobs, census data show that 34 to 71 percent of housing across 15 Western Colorado counties is vacant, serving as vacation rentals and second homes for wealthy investors and out-of-towners. As Bruce Finley reports, the vacancy rate, coupled with the influx of new residents seeking homes outside of big cities during the pandemic, has caused housing costs to rise dramatically.

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The cost of housing has led to a labor shortage in the region as fewer workers can afford to live near available jobs. Meanwhile, staffing shortages at public transit agencies mean increased wait times and reduced service for riders.