Lopez steps down as RHA director
The executive director of the Regional Housing Alliance of La Plata County is moving on.
The executive director of the Regional Housing Alliance of La Plata County is moving on.
Jennifer Lopez, who joined the RHA in 2006, has taken a job with the Department of Local Affairs and the Colorado Housing Finance Authority as a Development Specialist for the Western Slope. Her last day with the RHA was on Fri., March 15.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed the last six years as the executive director of this dynamic agency,” stated Lopez in a press release. “I will remain in Durango and relish my new role as a funder for area housing projects and look forward to supporting RHA’s work.”
The RHA Board of Directors has begun a nationwide search for a new director with the goal of hiring Lopez’s replacement by June. Deputy Director Pam Moore, with support from Scott Graham, RHA Board Chair, will manage the agency in the interim.
“We want people to know our programs and services will be continuing during the search,” said Moore.
The search had a closing date of April 8, after which time the Board will consider the candidates.
Lopez, a graduate of Fort Lewis College, returned to La Plata County after working for the Santa Fe Community Housing Trust, considered one of the country’s most successful affordable housing programs. While at the La Plata County RHA, Lopez launched four new programs, increased staff capacity from two to five, negotiated $30 million in affordable housing agreements, and initiated the first down payment program in the Four Corners, among other achievements.
Moore said she looks forward to working with Lopez in her new capacity. “She’ll be one of our biggest funders,” she said.
The RHA is a joint governmental venture funded primarily by La Plata County as well as the City of Durango, the Town of Bayfield and various federal and state grants.
Low-cost trees offered to rural landowners
If you’ve been holding off on tackling the back 40, now may be the time. The Colorado State Forest Service is offering low-cost tree seedlings to rural landowners in Southwest Colorado. Known as “Trees for Conservation,” the program enables Colorado farmers, ranchers and rural landowners to obtain seedling trees and shrubs at a nominal cost to be used for conservation. The program’s aim is to encourage landowners to plant trees and shrubs to provide windbreaks and living snow fences; reduce erosion; and enhance wildlife habitat. To participate in the program, landowners must have at least 1 acre of land and must agree to not use the trees solely for ornamental or landscaping purposes.
Landowners have until March 29 to order the seedlings, which are grown in Fort Collins at the CSFS Nursery and distributed via local conservation districts. Some of the recommended options for Southwest Colorado include ponderosa pine, Colorado blue spruce, piñon pine, aspen, chokecherry, plum and lilac.
For more information, call the La Plata County USDA Ag Service Center, 259-3289; or the Montezuma County: Dolores CD, USDA Ag Service Center, 565-9045.
MBS pedals for the medal
What does local mom-and-pop Mountain Bike Specialists have in common with companies like Facebook, Apple and Hewlett-Packard? All are official members of the League of American Bicyclists’ “Bicycle Friendly Business” club.
Last week, MBS announced it had obtained the silver level from the League, which recognizes employers’ efforts to encourage a bicycle friendly atmosphere for employees and customers. The program honors innovative bike-friendly efforts and provides assistance in helping companies and organizations become even more bike friendly.
“This award is presented only to businesses with remarkable commitments to bicycling,” said Alison Dewey, of the League’s “Bicycle Friendly” program. “This award is a recognition of Mountain Bike Specialists’ commitment to an active, healthy and socially responsible business though the promotion of cycling.”
According to Dewey, MBS was judged on its level of community service, including the support of the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic; customer service; and 20-plus years of cycling advocacy in the local community. MBS’ application was reviewed by the League as well as local advocates before the final decision was made. The award will remain in place for four years.
MBS was among 71 other businesses winning the award this year, joining nearly 500 businesses in 42 states throughout the country in “pedaling America toward greater prosperity” according to the League.
Durango was awarded the League’s Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community in 2012.
“Businesses are the engine of our economy, but more and more companies are realizing the bicycle can be a powerful catalyst for increased profits, reduced health care costs, happier employees and more customers,” said Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists. “We’re excited to see the most innovative minds in technology, retail and manufacturing voting for a more bicycle-friendly America and making significant contributions to our economic growth by promoting healthy, sustainable transportation.”
– Missy Votel