A Buena Vista-based outfitter is suing the federal government and asking a judge to bar implementing a new hourly wage rule. Duke Bradford, AVA’s owner, and Colorado River Outfitters Association
DENVER – A Buena Vista-based outfitter company is suing the federal government and asking a judge to bar the government from implementing a new hourly wage rule.
A Buena Vista-based outfitter company is suing the federal government and asking a judge to bar implementing a new hourly wage rule.Arkansas Valley Adventure company, doing business as AVA Rafting
Photo by Jason Connolly / Jason Connolly Photography
, building additional affordable apartments these strategies and more have all been tossed around as possible solutions to help mitigate the county’s lack of workforce housing, which in turn has contributed to a labor shortage. Another suggestion by community members is for businesses to raise wages to help balance the high cost of living in Summit County.
Though this strategy might seem appealing on the surface, Sandy Struve said it’s not that simple. Struve owns multiple Breckenridge shops including The Christmas Store, Mountain Tees and Cabin Fever.
“It’s not coming out of their pockets,” Struve said about people who suggest raising wages. “Businesses do what they have to do. If we have to raise wages more, that makes our product cost more to the consumer. People have to realize that when they say to raise wages, the end product is going to cost you more.”
Photo by Jason Connolly / Jason Connolly Photography
Summit County’s lack of workforce housing is an issue that cannot be solved overnight, and one that will take multiple partners and solutions to fix. Local leaders and business owners continue to identify potential short- and long-term strategies, and one of those is turning hotel spaces into long-term rentals.
This isn’t a new concept in the region. In nearby Eagle County, a hotel was converted into an apartment complex in 2018. Called The House, the property has 54 studio units that have about 300 square feet of space, including a living area, bathroom and kitchenette, according to the property’s website