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 announced the groundbreaking of Galena Apartments in Frisco. The new development will offer 54 rental apartments aimed at middle-income workers.
Governor Polis said, “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.”
The apartments are designed to be energy-efficient and all-electric, located within walking distance of downtown Frisco. They will meet U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home standards and serve residents earning between 80% and 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). This includes local professionals such as teachers, first responders, medical staff, and government employees.
Peter LiFari, MIHA Board President, stated, “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. The funds will be loaned to NHP Foundation, which is developing and owning the project.
Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of OEDIT, said: “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.”
DOLA contributed a $4 million grant from its Strong Communities Infrastructure program toward the project. This program encourages land use practices that promote strategic growth by aligning community needs with sustainable development goals. Additionally, DOLA provided $375,898 from its Energy/Mineral Impact Assistance Fund More Housing Now Initiative for infrastructure improvements.
Maria De Cambra, Executive Director of DOLA said: “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.”
Further backing comes from both the Town of Frisco and Summit County. Demolition on site was finished in June with infrastructure work underway.
The Middle Income Housing Authority was created by state lawmakers in 2022 as an independent entity dedicated to promoting affordable rental options for middle-income families across Colorado through tools such as tax exempt bonds and public-private partnerships.
OEDIT works alongside economic development partners statewide providing funding programs designed for business growth across sectors.
DOLA serves as a key connection point between state government and local municipalities by offering financial assistance as well as technical guidance on governance issues including housing.
