Summit County Report

Transcription

Indicators of a Healthy Community
Measuring Summit County’s Quality of Life
2000
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Indicators of a Healthy Community was made
possible by the generous support of:
Shaping Our Summit is a program of the
non-profit organization, Meridian Institute.
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
Breckenridge Ski Area
Colorado Center for
Healthy Communities
Copper Mountain Ski Area
Keystone Ski Area
The Mastin Group
Northwest Colorado
Council of Governments
Summit County Chamber
of Commerce
Summit County Government
Summit School District
Summit Stage
St. Anthony’s Foundation
Town of Breckenridge
Town of Dillon
Town of Frisco
Town of Silverthorne
Shaping Our Summit’s mission is to create and improve opportunities for
citizen involvement and community collaboration to enhance the long-term
social, civic, environmental and economic well-being of our entire community.
COMMUNITY INDICATORS
ADVISORY BOARD
Shaping Our Summit Advisory Board
Doris Bellamente - Director, Alpine Area Agency on Aging, NWCCOG
Elizabeth Black - District Manager, Copper Mountain Metro District
Gini Bradley - Consultant
Dennis Clauer - Director of Sales, East West Real Estate
Jim Felton - Director of Communications, Breckenridge Ski Area
Amy Ito - Community Development Director, Town of Frisco
Connie Lewis - Senior Partner, Meridian Institute
Rich Mayfield - Pastor, Lord of the Mountains Lutheran Church
Suzanne Bailey
Roger Beck
Doris Bellamente
Elizabeth Black
Julie Boyd
Gini Bradley*
Jamie Connell
Deb Crook*
Royal Daniel
Deb Edwards
Holly English
Gordon Ferris
Tim Gagen
Sandy Greenhut
Sheila Groneman
Taylor Hawes
Peggy Hiller
Tim Hoopingarner
Amy Ito*
Beth Koran*
Maggie Lifland
Cathy McCague*
Audrey Menzer
Alex Miller
Jen Miller
Boyd Mitchell
Jennifer Pratt Miles*,
Project Coordinator
Jim Rada
Marilyn Repsher
Susan Robertson
Daphne Schroth
Lynn Skall
Ann Small
Wes Smith
Jim Spenst
Regan Wood
Linda Venturoni*
Bernie Zurbriggen
* Steering Committee Member
HISTORY & PURPOSE OF THE REPORT
HOW THE REPORT WILL BE USED
HOW THE INDICATORS WERE SELECTED
SUMMIT COUNTY PROFILE
CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT
& COMMUNITY COLLABORATION
Number of Registered Voters Who Vote
Number of Volunteers
Dollars Donated to and by The Summit Foundation
ECONOMY, WORKFORCE AND HOUSING
Labor Force
Total Skier Days
Vacancy Rates
Median Household Income
Average Home Sale Price
Number of Affordable Housing Units
Livable Wage/Cost of Living
ENVIRONMENT
Land Ownership/Use
Use of Public Transportation
Traffic Volume
Amount of Materials Recycled by Type
Wetlands
Water Quality
Water Supply & Demand
HUMAN WELL-BEING
Prenatal Care
Availability & Affordability of Quality Child Care
Child Abuse
Per Pupil Expenditures
Graduation Rates
Number of Youth Assets
English as a Second Language
Resources for the Arts
Arrests for Driving Under the Influence
Access to Health Care for Low Income Households
Number of Hospital, Long-Term Care and Assisted Living Beds
SOURCES
Summit County
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OVERVIEW
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
OVERVIEW
HISTORY OF THE PROJECT
community indicators project. Identifying and measuring what is
important to our community will help us to sustain our quality of life.
In 1995, 150 stakeholders were convened to address the issue of
The second and related purpose for measuring community
community health in Summit County and to create a vision for a
indicators is to show the way our community is changing. Summit
healthy future for the community. The culmination of that planCounty is one of the fastest growing counties in the state. This
ning process was the receipt of an implementation grant from The
rate of growth has both positive and negative consequences.
Colorado Trust in May of 1996 and the beginning of the Shaping
While Summit County has a plethora of studies and information,
Our Summit healthy community initiative. In 1998, Shaping Our
we do not currently have an ongoing, countywide mechanism to
Summit and the Summit County Chamber of Commerce began to
track trends in our community’s overall health. The rapid pace of
explore the idea of developing an index of quality of life, involvgrowth and change in Summit County makes it critical to estabing indicators related to the community’s economic, social,
lish baseline information measuring the overall health of our
environmental and physical well-being. During 1999, Shaping Our
community. As Maureen Hart (Hart Environmental Data) says,
Summit approached the towns and county, ski areas and other
businesses and local non-profits about the idea and solicited
funding for the project from these groups. In August 1999, two
“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.”
focus groups were conducted by Shaping Our Summit and faciliThe Indicators of a Healthy Community Report will provide a
tated by the Coalition for Healthier Cities and Communities as
locally reliable tool for tracking economic, environmental and
part of the national dialogue on healthy communities. Quotes
social aspects of community health. By creating a set of measfrom these focus groups appear throughout this report. Matching
urements that give us an assessment of the well being of our
funds were awarded for the indicators project in March 2000
community, and then reporting on the status of these over time,
through a challenge grant from the Colorado Center for
we create a framework to monitor our quality of life and identiHealthy Communities. A steering committee was formed in March
fy areas that need attention. This report will also provide a
to select a consultant and oversee the project, and an advisory
tool for measuring our progress in areas where we are already
board was convened in June to begin the process of selecting
taking action. The report, therefore, serves as a resource to the
indicators to be measured for the report.
community to respond to changing trends and to preserve the
PURPOSE OF THE REPORT
quality of life in our community.
According to the National Civic League, “If communities are to...
In addition to breathtaking scenery, Summit County is blessed with a
effectively address local problems, all sectors of a community
robust economy and an amazing resource in its people. Ensuring that
need to work in concert toward common ends... The successful
our quality of life remains high is the main reason for undertaking this
2
Summit County
government, and non-profit groups to work together with citizens to help a community reach its collective goals and meet its
HOW THE INDICATORS
WERE SELECTED
common challenges.” Summit County’s Indicators of a Healthy
To select the indicators that define Summit County’s quality of
Community Project provides an avenue for doing just this. The
life for this report, a community-based process was employed that
uniqueness of this project is that it connects all of these interests
OVERVIEW
communities of the 2000s will be those that find ways for business,
involved 30 Summit County residents and community leaders in an
and allows us to see the manner in which issues are linked. By
intensive series of meetings held between May and December, 2000.
recognizing how issues are interconnected, we can begin to craft
Initially, these community members were convened to identify a
solutions that address multiple parameters of community health.
vision for the community as well as the broadest areas of concern
HOW THE REPORT WILL BE USED
to be considered. Vision statements from local governments,
non-profits and businesses were used as a basis for developing the
For the stakeholders who helped select the indicators to be
following vision for the project: To make the Summit a place
measured, producing this report was the immediate focus.
where individuals thrive and communities prosper in a sustainable
Completing the report, however, is only the beginning. With this
environment. This vision was developed to guide the selection of
report, we aim to paint a picture of our community and provide a
indicators to be measured. Four broad areas were nominated for
holistic assessment of our community’s quality of life. The report
measurement and the report is organized along these categories:
can be used as an information dissemination tool, providing data
1) Citizen Involvement and Community Collaboration 2) Economy,
and analysis that will increase awareness and understanding of
Workforce and Housing 3) Environment 4) Human Well-Being.
the complexity of issues facing our community.
To define indicators within each of the topic areas, four separate
Periodic updates are planned so that over time we can measure
work groups were established. The work groups began with a
progress in problem areas and celebrate successes. The real utility
database of candidate indicators compiled from other Colorado
of the report, however, lies in its ability to motivate us to action.
communities that had previously completed similar projects. Each
Shaping Our Summit and members of the Indicators Advisory Board
work group met a number of times over the summer to define the
will present the information in the report to local residents and
indicators most clearly linked to Summit County concerns.
key community groups, including project sponsors. Surveys will be
After their initial meetings, the work groups developed prelimidistributed at each of these presentations to identify areas of
nary lists of over 70 candidate indicators. To narrow this list, the
interest and potential next steps for each respective audience. This
Advisory Board was reconvened and formally selected a final list
project is the beginning of just one new way of looking at and
of indicators based on data considerations, policy and political
solving the challenges we face in Summit County.
relevance, and the meaning of each indicator to the community.
Summit County
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OVERVIEW
As a final step, the Advisory Board identified some of the local
One of the challenges for Summit County has been accommodating
agencies, governments and businesses that are currently address-
a large number of visitors while sustaining a high quality of life
ing issues raised in the report.
for those who call Summit County home. Compared to surrounding counties, Summit County has a relatively high proportion of
young adults in the 18 to 44 age range and smaller a proportion of
children, older adults and elderly.
Summit County, best known for its premier recreation and winter
resorts, is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, 70 miles
This report represents the efforts of the Summit County community
west of Denver. While the early origins of the county date to the
to assess ways in which the interests of all community residents and
Gold Rush of 1859, Summit County serves today as a steward to
visitors can be met. Businesses, social service agencies, non-profit
some of the country’s best known recreation areas. Of the 396,000
organizations, government agencies and the community at large
acres in Summit County, 79 percent are managed as Federal land
have joined together to reach a collective definition of quality
through the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
of life. Representatives from each of the towns—Dillon, Frisco,
Management. Within this towering mountain landscape, Summit
Silverthorne and Breckenridge—and the county have contributed
County includes a number of diverse communities. Many of these,
to this community-wide effort for a healthy community in the
including Breckenridge, Dillon, Frisco and Montezuma date their
present and in years to come.
historic roots to the mining days of the late 1800s.
Within this pristine mountain setting, Summit County has been
among the top ten fastest growing counties in the state. (Northwest
Colorado Council of Governments, “Demographic Reports.” www.nwc.cog.co.us/summit.html.)
This trend is expected to continue, with Summit County’s growth
projected to be among the fastest in the nation. (The Denver Post,
“Summit County Limits County Castles.” 8/17/00:B5.)
Between 1990 and 2000,
Summit County’s population increased by 59 percent, continuing a
POPULATION TRENDS—SUMMIT COUNTY
Year
Population
Percent Change
1990
12,881
1992
13,497
4.8%
1994
16,324
21.0%
1996
18,118
11.0%
1998
19,468
7.5%
2000
21,169
8.7%
pattern of growth that has been rapid and steady since 1970. (RRC
Associates (1998) “Comparative Socioeconomic Data in the Summit County Region, From
Impacts to Solutions: Summit County, Fairplay, Leadville and Kremmling“ The Social and
Economic Bottom Line. Silverthorne, CO: Northwest Colorado Council of Governments: 2.)
While the number of year-round residents was estimated to be
21,169 in 2000, the population swells to over 100,000 during the
peak tourist season.
4
Summit County
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
1990
1991
12,811
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
13,284 13,497 14,656 16,324 17,248 18,118
1997
1998
18,810 19,468
Source: Colorado Department of Local Affairs
www.dig.dem2.state.co.us/demog
SUMMIT COUNTY POPULATION BY AGE, 1999
90+
85-89
80-84
75-79
70-74
65-69
60-64
55-59
50-54
45-49
40-44
35-39
30-34
25-29
20-24
15-19
10-14
5-9
0-4
4
23
47
97
1999
20,435
OVERVIEW
POPULATION ESTIMATES
217
361
483
707
1,236
1,920
2,513
2,782
2,421
1,282
930
1,135
1,416
1,554
1,312
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
Source: Colorado Department of Local Affairs
www.dig.oem2.state.co.us/demog
Summit County
5
C
ITIZEN INVOLVEMENT
6
Citizen Involvement & Community Collaboration
Strategies to make the Summit a place where
individuals thrive and communities prosper in a
sustainable environment:
Summit County will be an empowered community of
people working together.
•
The definition of community will include a diverse
group of citizens who collectively work, play and reside
within the boundaries of Summit County.
“There is a sense of involvement within this
community that I didn’t experience in larger
cities. I’d like to say that almost everybody is
here because they have chosen to be here.”
—Healthy Community Dialogue Participant, 1999
•
Cooperation, communication and participation
of governments, local communities and citizens
will be improved.
•
“One of the things I think about is that whatever
the challenges are that the community faces, are
they approached in an equitable way? Is everybody involved in the solution or are the solutions
those of one particular group or interest?”
Public forums, computer linkages and an emphasis
on all interests will create an empowered diverse
citizenry that will take responsibility for and
participate in governance.
•
A focus on the long term needs of the community
will prevail.
•
Summit County
Voting is our primary responsibility as citizens, our opportunity to
select the leaders who best represent our opinions. Yet, with the
exception of a few isolated elections, voter turnout tends to be
INDICATOR DESCRIPTION
low. Citizens need to believe they have a stake in electing their
Voter turnout is a measure of the number of registered voters who
leaders, who, in turn, need to encourage citizens to voice their
actually vote in different elections. General elections typically
views and explain how critical decisions affecting the future of
have a better voter turnout than primary elections or mail
Summit County are made.
ballots. The largest turnout of voters usually occurs in
Presidential election years. Information on voting turnout has
WHAT THE NUMBERS SHOW
Across all of the towns in Summit County, voter turnout for
been maintained by the Summit County Elections Deputy since 1995
odd-year elections has remained constant at 18 percent. By
and has been available separately for individual towns since 1997.
comparison, 35 percent of all registered voters voted in the 1998
general election. For the Year 2000 Presidential election,
voter turnout increased to 49 percent of all registered voters.
NUMBER OF REGISTERED VOTERS WHO VOTE
ELECTIONS
Blue River
Breckenridge
Dillon
Frisco
Montezuma
Silverthorne
County
Total
% of Voters
1997-ODD YEAR 1998-GENERAL 1999-ODD YEAR 2000-GENERAL
540
597
654
749
1,858
2,122
2,280
2,726
577
645
724
803
1,944
2,121
2,400
2,668
35
39
42
52
2,021
2,220
2,472
2,603
9,706
10,894
11,984
12,939
16,681
18,593
20,556
22,540
18%
35%
18%
49%
Source: Summit County Government, Elections Deputy
Summit County
CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT
WHY WE ARE MEASURING THIS
NUMBER OF REGISTERED
VOTERS WHO VOTE
7
C
ITIZEN INVOLVEMENT
8
NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS
nity by donating skills, talents and time. Volunteerism shows
the activities that keep community spirit alive. With the hectic
commitment to the community and a willingness to be a part of
schedules kept by two career families, opportunities to donate time
Many of Summit County’s service agencies and non-profit organihave become more limited, but the need for volunteer resources
zations benefit from the assistance of volunteers. To date, however,
has not diminished. Tracking the number of volunteers committed
few have adopted a consistent way of tracking the numbers of
over time to Summit County organizations is one indication of
individual volunteers or the hours donated by these volunteers.
the vitality of community life.
The total number of volunteers collected for this report reflects
information currently available for a sample of Summit County
non-profit organizations. These figures underestimate the total
For a number of Summit County organizations, volunteers are a
number of volunteers in the county since time donated within the
vital part of their operations. For some organizations, such as
schools has not been included. Despite these limitations, the count
Summit Huts Association, the number of volunteers is a function
of volunteers below does offer one basis for estimating the
of the number and size of special projects occurring in a given
strength of volunteerism in Summit County.
year. While the number of volunteers for several of these organizations appear to be stable over time, “Make a Difference” Day,
first sponsored in 1999, was able to show a 66 percent increase in
Being involved in community life means giving back to the commuvolunteers from 301 volunteers in 1999 to 500 volunteers in 2000.
NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS DONATING TIME
TO SUMMIT COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
Make a
Summit County Summit Huts
Breckenridge
Bristlecone
Seniors
Association
Music Institute Health Service Difference Day
85
46
147
190
44
156
105
45
165
95
48
148
301
100
92
154
500
130
Sources: Breckenridge Music Institute, Bristlecone Health Services, Shaping Our Summit,
Summit County Seniors, Summit Huts Association
Summit County
Services, Education, Environment and Sports. While the Summit
Foundation’s primary geographic focus is Summit County, the
implementation of the Good Neighbor Grant program recently
expanded the Foundation’s support to organizations in Alma,
Fairplay, Buena Vista, Leadville and Kremmling. These communities
were selected based on where Summit County workers reside
outside of Summit County.
Local support for the Foundation is an indication of the
commitment of local residents and businesses to improve the
quality of life in our community.
$
$
$
$ $
$ $
494,037
889,393
following program areas: Art and Culture, Health and Human
$
$
$
416,926
751,542
from private individuals. The Foundation makes grants in the
410,689
648,351
are solicited from local businesses and organizations, as well as
271,463
531,491
philanthropic dollars for use within Summit County. Donations
295,056
450,356
The Summit Foundation is a charitable organization that raises
1,000,000
900,000
800,000
700,000
600,000
500,000
400,000
300,000
200,000
100,000
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
$ Disbursed
$ Received
Source: The Summit Foundation
Since 1995, the amount of grant funding distributed by the
Summit Foundation to local agencies and organizations has
increased by 67 percent from $295,056 in 1995 to $494,037 in 1999.
During the same time, community donations to the Foundation
have risen by 97 percent, totaling $889,393 in 1999.
Summit County
CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT
TOTAL DOLLARS RECEIVED/DISTRIBUTED
TO THE SUMMIT FOUNDATION
DOLLARS DONATED TO
AND DISBURSED BY
THE SUMMIT FOUNDATION
9
ECONOMY, WORKFORCE
AND HOUSING
10
Economy, Workforce and Housing
In Summit County there will be diverse economic
vitality through planned business development, small
business incentives and technological innovations.
•
People in Summit County will have sustainable
opportunities to work, live and develop a sense
of community.
•
There will be a variety of affordable housing
units available to a variety of incomes for a
diverse population.
•
The economy will continue to change and diversify to
provide more year round opportunities.
•
“It’s fine to make $8.00 an hour when you’re
20 and you came here to ski, bike and play.
But when you marry and have a family and are
unable to take that next step that puts you into
home ownership and self-sufficiency, that is
the problem.”
“Housing is probably one of the biggest problems
that this community is grappling and dealing
with. We haven’t solved it, but we have done a lot
of things and we continue to do more things...
The fact that there is so much energy going into
trying to solve it is important.”
Summit County
real estate sales. While the demand for vacation homes in Summit
up housing prices.
County has helped to provide economic growth, it is also driving
Data from the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments
have been combined in this section to provide an overall picture of
The charts in this section clearly reflect the changing nature of
trends in the Summit County economy. By contrasting changes in
Summit County’s economy. Whereas trends in skier visits have been
skier days against overall job growth, we can determine the extent
increasing at only a modest rate per year, the aggregate number
to which the ski industry continues to be a major contributor
of jobs in Summit County has been growing rapidly since the early
to the overall strength and growth of jobs in the Summit
1990s, outpacing overall increases in Summit County’s resident
County community.
population. The factors fueling this job growth have been the
construction of second homes, real estate sales and the strength-
ening of industries that support new home development (e.g.,
Understanding the factors driving economic growth help to
landscaping, etc.). The two charts below clearly demonstrate
predict the ways in which Summit County as a community will
these economic shifts, with the first highlighting the tremendous
change over time. In the past, the dominance of the ski industry
increases in real estate sales volume that have occurred in Summit
had resulted in a seasonal economy dominated by tourism. More
County since 1995. These same charts show that skier visits have
recent trends, however, suggest that Summit County is shifting
enjoyed some growth, but not to the same degree as the strong
to a year-round economy driven by the construction industry and
SUMMIT COUNTY—POPULATION vs. SKIER VISITS
SUMMIT COUNTY—SKIER VISITS vs. REAL ESTATE $ VOLUME
30,000
5,200,000
3,700,000
1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
YEAR
Source: Northwest Colorado Council of Governments
Real Estate $$ Volume
Skier Visits
Summit County
Population/# of Jobs
4,700,000
4,200,000
10,000,000
9,000,000
25,000
SKIER VISITS
$1,000,000,000
$900,000,000
$800,000,000
$700,000,000
$600,000,000
$500,000,000
$400,000,000
$300,000,000
$200,000,000
$100,000,000
$0
8,000,000
7,000,000
20,000
6,000,000
15,000
3,200,000
10,000
2,700,000
5,000
5,000,000
Skier Visits
$ VOLUME
increases in total Summit County jobs and real estate sales.
ECONOMY, WORKFORCE
AND HOUSING
LABOR FORCE
4,000,000
3,000,000
2,000,000
1,000,000
0
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
Population Jobs Skier Visits
0
11
Fluctuations in the number of skier days per year are a reflection
of a number of different factors: the average amount and timing
of snow fall in a year, changes in the size/capacity of individual
The total number of skier days is a reflection of the number of
ski resorts and overall economic conditions that encourage
individuals who use the various Summit County ski resorts each
tourist travel. While some years have been better than others in
year. To understand the economic impact of this indicator, each
terms of the number of skier days, the trend shows a definite
individual skier can be multiplied by the cost of a ski lift ticket
increase over time in the volume of skiers using Summit County
for any given year that is considered.
slopes. While some of these skiers visit Summit County from neigh-
boring counties only for a day, others are guests who stay for
As one of Summit County’s leading tourist attractions and
multiple days and nights and who, as such, utilize Summit County
economic mainstays, the health of the skiing industry has an
housing options, restaurants, shops and other community facilities.
important influence on the vitality of the community. When skier
days drop, resorts must cut back on workers and capital spending
plans. By contrast, increases in skier days allow the industry to
maintain its work force and to reinvest in resort infrastructure.
TOTAL SKIERS (ALL AREAS), SUMMIT COUNTY
4,000,000
Number of Skiers
ECONOMY, WORKFORCE
AND HOUSING
TOTAL SKIER DAYS
3,500,000
3,000,000
2,500,000
1989/90 1990/91 1991/92 1992/93 1993/94 1994/95 1995/96 1996/97 1997/98 1998/99
3,021,026 2,857,043 3,066,127 3,326,213 3,410,438 3,302,741 3,623,867 3,736,508 3,586,514 3,781,821
Source: Summit County Statistician
12
Summit County
The vacancy rates in Summit County clearly reflect the impact of
tourism and second home ownership on the community. Overall,
more than half of Summit County’s homes (or 63 percent) are
owned by those not living in the community. In Breckenridge, the
Vacancy rates refer to the number of homes owned as second
vacancy rate is 81 percent. The Summit County community with
homes or vacation homes by out-of-county residents. Because of
the lowest vacancy rate is Silverthorne where 22 percent of the
the nature of this ownership, second homes may or may not be
homes are owned by second home owners.
occupied at any given time in the year. Whereas in the past,
owners of second homes may have rented their homes to local
residents, increasingly these owners are choosing to take their
homes out of the long term rental market, opting for short term
rentals or not renting them at all.
High vacancy rates are more common in resort communities than
in other parts of the state. Vacancy rates in Summit County tend
to be higher than in Park or Lake Counties, but comparable to
Eagle and Grand Counties. The number of vacant units (owned by
second home owners) has implications for housing prices, planning
for community services and the size of the property tax base.
Ultimately, communities with high vacancy rates are at risk of
losing the workforce that sustains their economy. As second
homeowners compete for Summit County’s finite housing stock,
VACANCY RATES BY TOWN, 1999
TOWN/AREA VACANCY RATE
Blue River
Breckenridge
Dillon
Frisco
Montezuma
Silverthorne 21.5%
Unincorporated
Total
80.6%
75.3%
53.7%
73.3%
66%
63%
locals find it difficult to afford the ever-increasing costs of
0
owning a home.
Summit County
20
57.2%
40
60
80
100
ECONOMY, WORKFORCE
AND HOUSING
VACANCY RATES BY TOWN
AND COUNTY
13
for employment has also gone up. In 1998, 20 percent of Summit
County.
County’s workforce was estimated to live outside of Summit
(Northwest Council of Governments (1998) “Comparative Socio-Economic Data in
the Summit County Region From Impact to Solutions: Summit County, Fairplay, Leadville and
Median family income is a measure of the disposable income
Kremmling — the Social and Economic Bottom Line.”)
Patterns of commuting in
families in Summit County have available to them to meet their
and out of Summit County are related to the differences between
costs of living and other life style choices. The median is the
increases in median income and the cost of housing. As shown
middle income earned by Summit County residents. These data
below, while wages have risen, housing costs are increasing at a
are produced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
substantially faster rate.
Development on a yearly basis and are maintained by the Summit
PERCENT CHANGE IN INCOME
vs. HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
County Statistician.
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
Median income is a vital indicator of the disposable income
Summit County families have available to make ends meet. When
compared to increases in the cost of housing, trends in median
income also become a measure of how easily families can afford to
live within Summit County’s boundaries.
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
Home
Income
Source: Summit County Statistician and
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Economic growth has resulted in increases in the median income
of families living in Summit County. Over a five year period, median family income has increased 18 percent from $48,800 in 1994 to
$57,400 in 1998. While wages have increased, so too has the cost
of living. Compared to other counties in Colorado, Summit
MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME, SUMMIT COUNTY
$75,000
$65,000
County has been rated as having a very high composite cost of
increased, the number of workers commuting into Summit County
$64,600
$60,400
$57,400
$57,400
$53,400
As the cost of living in Summit County has
$49,000
Collins, Colorado.)
$35,000
$25,000
$48,800
Colorado’s Counties.’ Department of Agricultural Economics, Colorado State University, Fort
$48,100
(Hornbrook, E. and J.B. Eckert (1998) ‘1998 Cost of Living Indices for
$45,100
Eagle counties.)
$55,000
$45,000
$41,900
living index. (Other counties also in this category are Teller and
$40,500
ECONOMY, WORKFORCE
AND HOUSING
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
14
Summit County
As shown in the chart below, the median selling price of homes in
Summit County has risen substantially, particularly over the past
10 years. Between 1990 and the first quarter of 2000, the cost of
Information on the average home sale price in Summit County is
for-sale housing in Summit County has risen by an average annual
maintained by the county statistician. The average home sale price
rate of 11.5 percent. Whereas in 1990, the average price of any type
is calculated by adding the total value of homes sold and then
of housing unit was $113,257, by 2000, the average price had risen
dividing it by the number of units involved in these transactions.
to $330,266. The average rate of increase in the price of single-
family homes was higher than other types of units, rising at 15.2
The average cost of a home has an influence on its affordability
percent per year. Substantial increases in the price of single family
for Summit County residents. As the cost of housing rises, the
homes can be observed across all communities in Summit County,
rates of home ownership in Summit County decline. In 1997, 48
with prices in Breckenridge exhibiting the highest increases in the
percent of Summit County residents owned their own home.
county (45 percent since 1997). Breckenridge is also the town with
Another factor to be considered as trends in average home sale
the highest cost for a single-family home, averaging $769,000 in
prices are tracked is the high rate of seasonal/vacant homes in
1999. Current trends suggest that substantial increases in housing
Summit County. In 1999, an estimated 63 percent of homes were
prices are likely to continue.
considered to be seasonal or vacant as a result of second home
ownership.
AVERAGE HOME SELLING PRICE
$300,000
$250,000
$200,000
$150,000
$100,000
$50,000
0
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
ECONOMY, WORKFORCE
AND HOUSING
AVERAGE HOME SALE PRICE
2000
113,257 119,272 124,462 132,769 154,043 185,110 214,366 216,340 249,271 282,780 330,266
Summit County
15
ECONOMY, WORKFORCE
AND HOUSING
NUMBER OF AFFORDABLE
HOUSING UNITS
residents of Summit County want to track the impact of these
trends on the composition and vitality of community life.
Employers are also becoming more aware of the effect housing
availability has on employee recruitment and retention,
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development, individuals should not spend more than 30 percent
particularly for entry level and lower paying jobs.
NUMBERS OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPTIONS
IN SUMMIT COUNTY
of their gross income on housing. For someone earning the entry
level wage of $10.35 for a sales clerk, this would represent a
TYPE OF HOUSING
# OF UNITS
% OF ALL UNITS
monthly housing payment of $592. ($10.35 x 2080 hours =
Mobile Homes
447
2%
Apartments/Employer Housing
1,342
6%
for a one-bedroom apartment in Summit County is expensive for
Income Restricted Rental Units
242
1%
someone earning an entry level wage, ranging from $530 to $765
Deed Restricted Housing
per month. Home ownership is even more difficult. In order to be
(including units under development)
266
1%
able to afford to buy a home (assuming an 8.5 percent interest
Homes Selling for $100 - $150 K
1,342
6%
$21,528/year
x
.33
=
$7,104.24/12
=
$592). The average rental cost
loan and a 10 percent down payment), those making the median
income for the county ($64,600) would need to purchase a home
that ranged from $126,250 to $193,130. Homes in this price range,
Source: Summit Housing Authority
While affordable housing options do exist in Summit County,
however, are difficult to find since the average price of a home in
their supply is limited, especially for persons earning less than the
Summit County in 2000 was $330,266.
median wage. The current supply of lower income housing is listed
WHY ARE WE MEASURING THIS
above. In addition, a 180 unit employee housing project is being
Summit County has experienced an average annual increase of 4.8
developed in Breckenridge. Efforts to develop more reasonably
percent in the county’s inventory of housing since 1996 and has a
priced housing options are also underway. In particular, Summit
total of 22,369 housing units as of 2000. Of these, 57 percent are
County employers are exploring employee housing options in part-
condominiums/townhouses and 30 percent are single family homes.
nership with the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments
Changes in the number and value of housing units influence the
(NWCCOG). For more information, contact the Summit Housing
characteristics of the community relative to local home owner-
Authority at 970-453-3556 or the NWCCOG at 970-468-0295.
ship, second home/vacation home ownership and the number of
people who can afford to maintain their residence in Summit
County. While economic development has been welcomed, the
16
Summit County
that they must recruit workers from neighboring counties to fill
an increasing number of jobs. In 1998, it was estimated that the
proportion of Summit County’s workforce who live outside of
Summit County was 20 percent, up from 15 percent in 1990. In all,
2,900 of Summit County’s workers are commuting in for work
What does it cost to live in Summit County and how does this
from neighboring communities. As housing prices continue to
compare to other areas in Colorado? The affordability of life in
increase, the “affordability” of living in Summit County will
Summit County is relative to what an individual earns. In this
clearly be impacted particularly for lower wage workers.
section, the issue of a livable wage is examined from three different
perspectives: 1) What is the minimum wage needed to live in Summit
Determining the extent of livable wages within Summit County begins
County? 2) How does the cost of living compare to other areas in
with an assessment of the average cost of living experienced by housethe country? and 3) How easily can individuals within different
holds of different sizes. The last line of the chart indicates the
job categories afford the cost of Summit County’s housing?
hourly wage that individuals living in different family structures
would need to earn to be able to support a minimum household budget.
Having sufficient income allows families to cover their basic living expenses, as well as to afford other necessities such as trans-
AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURES
portation, child care and health care. With many Summit County
jobs clustered in lower paying job categories such as the service
and retail sales industries, tracking the livability of wages is an
important dimension of Summit County’s quality of life.
The high cost of living in Summit County is perhaps best understood when compared to other areas of the country. While there
Single Person Single Parent with
Renting
One Child Renting
Basic Expenditures*
$13,113
$21,389
Estimated Rent**
$6,360
$8,900
TOTAL EXPENSES
$19,963
$30,289
Total Expenses/2080 Hours =
Livable Wage
$9.36
$14.56
Family of 4
Renting
$33,858
$13,200
$47,058
$22.62
are variations in living costs among Summit County communities,
all have higher costs of living than other U.S. communities. High
living costs affect Summit County residents, but also the area’s
employers for whom employee recruitment and retention is becoming an important issue. The willingness of an employee to accept a
job is based not just on the salary to be earned, but also on the
cost of living in Summit County. Already, employers are finding
Summit County
* Categories included in basic expenditures include: food, vehicle
expenses, health care, clothing, personal care products, child care,
television/radio, fees/admissions, electricity, telephone, taxes, miscellaneous. Data derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer
Expenditure Survey for 1995, adjusted by the 1999 Denver/Boulder
Consumer Price Index.
** Housing costs come from the Summit County Affordable Housing
needs assessment.
ECONOMY, WORKFORCE
AND HOUSING
LIVABLE WAGE/
COST OF LIVING
17
ECONOMY, WORKFORCE
AND HOUSING
COST OF LIVING COMPARISONS IN
SUMMIT COUNTY COMMUNITIES, 1998
If the average cost of living in Standard City, USA is 100%,
then the percent below represents how much higher or lower
costs are in Summit County towns compared to the average.
Renter with
Renter with
Homeowner
Homeowner
Two Roommates One Roommate
Family of 4
F of 4
Income: 20,000 Income: 34,000 Income: 58,000 Income: 72,000
Breckenridge
200.4%
187.7%
181.0%
137.1%
Silverthorne
159.0%
159.5%
132.2%
121.9%
Standard City, USA
100%
100%
100%
100%
The final chart below demonstrates how the ability to
afford housing varies depending on an individual’s job and
their annual salary. These figures use 30 percent of total
income as the amount that should be spent on housing.
None of the individuals in these job categories would be
Source: Northwest Colorado Council of Governments, Cost of Living Study (1998) Summary Report.
able to afford the average price of a home in Summit
County ($330,266.)
All of Colorado’s resort communities have higher housing costs
compared to a Standard City in the United States. Within Summit
County, the high cost of living varies from community to community, with living costs much higher in Breckenridge than in
Silverthorne. While individuals in all income groups are affected
by Summit County’s higher living costs, the differences in Summit
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY RELATIVE TO
INCOME FOR DIFFERENT JOB CATEGORIES
JOB CATEGORY
YEARLY INCOME
MONTHLY HOUSING
ALLOWANCE
(30% of monthly income)
AFFORDABLE PURCHASE
PRICE
$21,528
$23,490
$27,851
$36,629
$538
$587
$696
$916
$63,021
$68,765
$81,531
$107,228
County living costs compared to other areas are greater for
those with lower incomes. In Breckenridge, an individual making
$20,000 per year and living with two roommates will find living
expenses to be twice what they would be in other parts of the
country. Based on analysis by the Northwest Colorado Council of
Retail Salesperson
Dental Assistant
Truck Driver
Patrol Officer
Governments, the component that makes living in Summit County
so expensive is the high cost of housing. (Northwest Colorado Council of
Governments, Cost of Living Study (1998) Summary Report.)
The data reflect the
Source: Colorado Division of Housing
Income figures for Summit County employers derived from the Colorado
Department of Labor and Employment (http://navigator.cdle.state.co.us)
limited supply of affordable housing for lower income wage earners.
18
Summit County
Summit County will be a community that values and
supports its diverse natural environment, an environment
recognized as an economic asset that necessitates preservation, use in a responsible manner and enhancement.
•
Our environmental assets include: diverse natural
landscapes, clean water, clean air, forests, wetlands and
abundant year-round recreational opportunities.
•
Our communities recognize the importance of responsible
public and private land use decisions. Our citizenry embrace
the use of environmental best management practices.
•
“What makes me proud to live in Summit County...
I would say the scenic beauty of it, the natural
environment and access to it.”
ENVIRONMENT
Environment
Summit County
19
ENVIRONMENT
LAND OWNERSHIP/USE
Summit County has a total land area of 396,245 acres. Of this,
314,455 acres (or 79 percent) are contained within the White
River National Forest. BLM acreage accounts for 2,229 acres. An
Data on patterns of land ownership and use are maintained by
additional 670 acres are owned by the State of Colorado, leaving
different departments of government. Information on total land
78,891 acres for private ownership. The Census of Agriculture shows
area, acres of federally owned land, Bureau of Land Management
that Summit County had 34,451 acres zoned for agricultural uses
(BLM) land area, and the size of incorporated and unincorporated
in 1997, down 10 percent from the comparable figure in 1992.
areas can be obtained from the Summit County Government GIS
Roughly 2.4 percent of Summit County acreage is included within
Department, which derives its figures from data from the
the boundaries of incorporated towns. Among privately held lands,
Assessor’s Office. The acreage zoned for agriculture is collected
about 2.4 percent has been set aside for open space, that is land
through the Census of Agriculture conducted periodically by the
that will be preserved and not made available for future developU.S. Department of Agriculture. Acres of land owned by the state
ment (See chart on following page).
comes from a report by the Colorado Division of Local
Government, Cartography/GIS Section. Finally, information on
land designated as open space is maintained by town and county
officials. Privately owned land is calculated by subtracting the
acres of land held publicly from the total land area.
While Summit County is rich in land area, only a limited amount
is privately owned, with more than three quarters of Summit
County’s acreage owned by the National Forest Service. Given the
rapid growth and pressure for continued development, the managers of local Summit County towns and the county must work
for a balanced rate of growth that preserves the beauty of
Summit County’s natural resources.
20
Summit County
LAND DESIGNATION AREA
NUMBER OF
ACRES
PERCENT OF
TOTAL LAND
314,455
670
2,229
78,891
396,245
79.3
0.2
0.6
19.9
100
LAND WITHIN TOWN
AND COUNTY BOUNDARIES
Land Incorporated in Towns
Unincorporated Land (County)
9,448 acres
69,997 acres
2.4
17.7
LAND ZONED FOR AGRICULTURE
Land Zoned for Agricultural Use, 1997
34,541 acres
8.7
Land Owned by the
National Forest Service
Land Owned by the State of Colorado
Bureau of Land Management
Privately Owned Land
Total Land Area
LAND DESIGNATED AS OPEN SPACE
482
Town of Dillon
178
Town of Frisco
29
Being planned
Summit County (Unincorporated Area)
8,530
Continental Divide Land Trust
183
Total Acres of Open Space
9,402
ENVIRONMENT
DISTRIBUTION OF LAND IN SUMMIT COUNTY
2.4
Sources: Summit County Government GIS Department, Census of Agriculture, Colorado Division of Local
Government, Cartography/GIS Section, Towns of: Breckenridge, Dillon, Frisco, Continental Divide Land Trust
Summit County
21
ENVIRONMENT
USE OF PUBLIC
TRANSPORTATION
The Summit Stage offers free public transit service within the
Summit County area. Counts are maintained on the total number
NUMBERS OF PERSONS RIDING
THE SUMMIT STAGE
TOTAL ANNUAL RIDERS
1998
1,320,871
1999
1,370,298
Source: Summit Stage
of riders, that is, persons receiving rides. The actual number of
individual users is more difficult to estimate since some users will
ride the Summit Stage more frequently than others. It is also not
possible at the current time to separate riders who are
permanent residents from those who are seasonal visitors.
Providing adequate and convenient public transportation is a
community amenity that also has environmental benefits. As more
people avail themselves of the Summit Stage, local roads are less
congested, there is less need to build more parking facilities and
the environmental pollution associated with cars is reduced.
Data on the total number of persons receiving rides from the
Summit Stage shows that well over a million riders have benefited
from this free public service in each of the past three years.
Ridership doubled between 1992 and 1997, and was up 3.7 percent
between 1998 and 1999. Incomplete figures for 2000 show a
continued healthy pattern of use for the Summit Stage.
22
Summit County
The Colorado Department of Transportation collects data on the
average annual daily traffic for state and Federal highways within Summit County and can provide this information on a historic
basis as well. The average traffic volume includes counts between
intersections. Updated traffic counts and maps are available
through the Colorado Department of Transportation web site:
www.dot.state.co.us/transdata/.
TRAFFIC COUNTS FOR SELECTED SITES IN SUMMIT COUNTY
1990
Junction SH 9,
E Frisco Interchange
24,800
Silverthorne Interchange 19,000
Junction SH 91,
Copper Mountain
17,600
Summit County Road 1
Swan Mountain
9,500
1993
1996
1999
28,400
21,600
32,600
24,000
35,579
25,723
19,600
22,300
24,399
14,900
15,400
16,600
Given the growth within Summit County for both the resident
population as well as short and long-stay guests, traffic volume is
an important indicator of quality of life. Monitoring traffic
volume is one way to determine the adequacy of current roads to
handle increasing numbers of vehicles. Traffic volume also has
implications for traffic safety, road maintenance and pollution.
In addition, over-congested roads and highways ultimately affect
the attractiveness of Summit County as a place of residence,
employment and vacation.
Listed below are the intersections of state and federal roads that
Source: Colorado Department of Transportation
ENVIRONMENT
TRAFFIC VOLUME
have consistently had the highest traffic volume over time. All
have had increases in average daily traffic between 1990 and 2000.
Summit County
23
ENVIRONMENT
AMOUNT OF RECYCLED
MATERIAL BY TYPE
time, the amount of materials recycled also increased. The total
tonnage of materials recycled in Summit County rose 68 percent
between 1994 and 1999. The predominant materials recycled by
Summit Recycling Project are newspaper (34 percent of the total)
Population growth brings with it increases in waste material for
and cardboard (31 percent of the total). For more information,
contact Summit Recycling Project at 970-668-5703.
disposal. While landfills are the primary way in which waste is
SUMMIT RECYCLING PROJECT VOLUMES (in tons/year)
managed, other options include the reduction of waste, reuse of
materials and recycling. For this report, three different types of
data are considered: 1) the types of materials recycled 2) the
total amount of material recycled 3) trends in the total volume
of recycled material.
Protection of the environment and the high cost of land require
minimizing the use of landfill resources through a variety of
Year
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
Breckenridge
399
434
521
551
635
721
952
4,213
Frisco
326
378
519
698
832
952
1,031
4,736
SRP Total
725
812
1,040
1,249
1,467
1,673
1,983
8,949
WMI
2,511
2,815
2,317
2,460
2,881
3,000
15,984
County Total
1,450
4,135
4,895
4,815
5,394
6,227
6,966
33,882
recycling options. While recycling has environmental value, the
economics are such that the return on recycled materials does
SUMMIT COUNTY RECYCLING—1998 COMPOSITION
not always cover shipping and collection costs. In 1997, recycling
Plastics 1% Other 2% Metals 5%
Magazines 4%
materials collected at the County’s drop-off centers cost an
average of $39 per ton when the return, collection and trans-
Cardboard 31%
portation costs were totaled. Promoting recycling requires a
community-wide commitment to increase the amount of materials
recycled and to support the Summit Recycling Project (SRP), Waste
Management (WMI) and other recycling providers in their efforts to
Commingled 3%
Paper 5%
Glass 15%
maintain the availability of recycling as an option for the community.
Summit County is estimated to generate 5.51 pounds of waste per
capita per day. In total volume, the waste quantities generated
have increased 31 percent between 1994 and 1998. During the same
24
Summit County
Newspaper 34%
Source: Summit Recycling Project
ENVIRONMENT
WETLANDS
WETLANDS IDENTIFIED FOR PROTECTION
IN SUMMIT COUNTY
Sub-Basin
Wetland
Reason for Interest
surface or groundwater on a seasonal or permanent basis and that
Snake River
Montezuma
Endangered Species
support vegetation that has adapted to life in saturated soils.
Upper Blue
Blue Lakes
Only Known Existence
of Plant Species
Lower Blue
Mesa Cortina
Rare Type of Wetland in
Summit County
Tenmile
Meadow Creek
Globally Rare Plant Community
Wetlands are lands that are either inundated or saturated by
Wetlands are a valued and important natural resource to Summit
County residents, serving to improve water quality, attenuate
flood flow, and encourage wildlife habitat and high species diversity. Rapid growth in the mountain communities of Summit County
has raised concern about the cumulative loss of wetlands in the
Blue River watershed. The County is now developing partnerships
among watershed stakeholders to gain support for new wetland
protection strategies and to implement wetland protection and
restoration projects. Wetland management strategies are also
being incorporated into all basin and town master plans.
Wetlands assessment and mapping efforts have provided valuable
information on the location, type and function of wetlands in
Summit County. The County is developing a central wetlands
database and will be conducting further data analysis to obtain
Source: Summit County Government, Office of Planning, Wetlands Department
more detailed information on wetland function and factors
associated with wetland loss or degradation. Listed to the right
are some of the wetlands identified for protection in each
sub-basin in the County.
Summit County
25
ENVIRONMENT
WATER QUALITY
Within the Regional Water Quality Management Plan, five
stream segments in Summit County have been found to be impaired.
The water quality in four of these areas has been compromised due
Streams can be classified for multiple uses: aquatic life, recreto runoff from abandoned mines; Straight Creek is impacted by
ation, agriculture and drinking water. All uses require that
sediment and sand from Interstate 70. Efforts are currently
certain minimum water quality standards be maintained.
underway by the Summit Water Quality Committee to determine
Information on the water quality for stream segments in Summit
ways in which non-point source pollution in water segments can
County is summarized in the Northwest Colorado Council of
be monitored.
Governments Regional Water Quality Management Plan. In
addition, the Summit Water Quality Committee meets monthly to
discuss whether existing standards are being met and to determine
ways in which emerging water quality issues can be addressed.
Maintaining water quality standards is essential to community
health. While discharges from mining sites have traditionally
been the major factor affecting water quality in Summit County,
an emerging issue is the impact of pollution due to urban development and construction that enters the water system during
storms and as part of melting snow. Whereas numeric and
AM S E GME N T
E
R
T
S t C re e k
aigh
Str
ve r f ro m F re n c h G u l c h
lB u e R iC o n f l u e n c e o f t h e S w a n
to the k
C re e
Pe r u u l c h
hG
F re n c t e m o f S n a ke R i ve r
S
Main
E
WAT E R Q
U
S
S
UALITY I
Sediment, Sand
M e t a l s f ro m o l d m i n e s
narrative standards exist to measure water quality from identified
discharge points (point sources), the threat posed by more general
Source: Northwest Colorado Council of Governments,
Regional Water Quality Management Plan
storm water and snow runoff (non-point sources) is more difficult
to assess. Sufficient staff and funding need to be available to
permit adequate determinations of water quality from these
non-point sources, particularly during storm events when runoff
can have a greater impact on water quality.
26
Summit County
Comparisons of current and future demand show that water use
in the future will more than double from current use patterns.
While the timing of future development is not fully known, indi-
In order to determine the adequacy of existing water systems to
vidual water systems and the region as a whole need to develop
meet anticipated future demands, the Northwest Colorado
plans to ensure that the future demand for water can be met.
Council of Governments Water Quality/Quantity Committee has
been collecting information on the capacity of existing water
supply systems. Each of the suppliers has been asked to provide
CURRENT AND FUTURE DEMANDS FOR WATER
(in acre feet)
information on current water demand (in acre-feet), as well as to
anticipate the future demand for water they expect within their
individual systems based on zoning in the entity’s service area.
Continued rapid growth in Summit County, coupled with water
diversions to the Front Range, will place demands on the natural
resources within the county, particularly the water supply. The
information currently being collected is part of a larger planning
process to anticipate where shortfalls in water supply may occur.
PROVIDER
ANNUAL DEMAND,
1997
Buffalo Mtn, Metro
268
Breckenridge
2783
Snake River
479
Town of Dillon
331
Copper Mtn.
500
A-Basin
9
Silverthorne
645
Mesa Cortina
29
Keystone
939
Frisco
847
East Dillon
336
Blue River
125
Dillon Valley
326
BUILDOUT DEMAND DEMAND AS A
% OF BUILDOUT
640
42%
4410
63%
1786
27%
866
38%
1550
32%
328
3%
2307
28%
103
28%
1732
54%
1976
43%
617
54%
250
50%
402
81%
ENVIRONMENT
WATER SUPPLY & DEMAND
Source: NWCCOG, Water Quality/Quantity Committee
Summit County
27
HUMAN WELL-BEING
Human Well-Being
· Summit County will offer a continuity of health care
to citizens from birth to death regardless of their ability
to pay.
· Programs and services will be responsive to the needs
of all citizens.
· Proactive, preventive health care will be accessible and
affordable to all members of the community.
· Comprehensive health care communication and
education will take place through a diversity of avenues,
ranging from work site health programs to an emphasis
on wellness in county newspapers.
· There will be lifelong, affordable, high quality
education from the prenatal period through adulthood.
· Summit County will be a community that involves
and supports a diverse population.
· There will be increased awareness, participation in
and funding of the arts.
28
Summit County
HUMAN WELL-BEING
PRENATAL CARE
In Summit County most women receive early prenatal care in their
first three months of pregnancy. Summit County data related to
when women enter prenatal care are very close to the national
Prenatal care includes the medical care, health education and
standard established by the Healthy People 2000 Initiative that
monitoring provided to women during their pregnancies. Since
states that 90 percent of all pregnant women should initiate care
risks to the mother and infant can be prevented with early and
in their first trimester. Summit County’s success in achieving this
continuous monitoring, physicians recommend that women begin
standard stands out compared to other parts of the state. For
prenatal care as early in their pregnancies as possible, ideally
more information about work being done in Summit County
within the first three months or the first trimester of pregnancy.
related to this indicator, contact Public Health Nursing
at 970-668-5230.
Prenatal care has been clearly established as a way of improving
birth outcomes, especially for women who may be at increased
medical or social risk. A study by the Institute of Medicine has
shown that for every $1 spent on prenatal care, $3.38 can be saved
because of a reduction in the number of low birth weight infants.
PERCENTAGE OF WOMEN RECEIVING
PRENATAL CARE DURING FIRST TRIMESTER
95%
90%
85%
80%
75%
1994
1995
1996
1997
Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Vital Statistics. (1994 – 1998) Denver, CO
Summit County
1998
Summit County
Colorado
29
HUMAN WELL-BEING
AVAILABILITY & AFFORDABILITY
OF QUALITY CHILD CARE
care costs would amount to 33 percent of total income earned.
Summit County does provide child care assistance for those
families earning $25,000 or less (185 percent of the poverty level
for a family of three).
Licensed childcare is typically offered in three locations: licensed
child care centers, family child care homes and before and afterschool programs. Some parents also employ in-home childcare workers.
Quality early childhood care and education is beneficial to
infants, toddlers and young children. Childcare is essential for
working parents and important for employers as well. Employers
find that making child care available is a benefit that attracts
qualified job applicants.
CHILD CARE CAPACITY IN SUMMIT COUNTY
2000
1995
209
Infant/Toddler Slots 176
339
Preschool Slots 209
117
School Age Slots 159
665
TOTAL 544
ESTIMATED UNMET NEED - 1998 1.3 children in need for every 1 slot available
Source: Summit County Early Childhood Resource and Referral Agency
30
In 2000, the Summit County Early Childhood Resource and
Referral Agency reviewed the availability of childcare services
and was able to document that Summit County has an acute
shortage of infant/toddler childcare, as well as shortages in
preschool age services. The 1998 KidsCount! Report for Summit
County has reported that there are 823 children who need child
care in Summit County, compared to a total of 611 available
licensed child care spaces. Another dimension of child care to be
considered is its cost. The average monthly cost for child care at
licensed facilities in resort communities has been estimated to be
$880 per month for an annualized cost of $10,560. For those
families making the median Summit County wage of $64,600, this
represents 16 percent of total annual income, while for those
family making only half of the median wage (or $32,300), child
Summit County
RATES OF CHILD ABUSE PER 1000 CHILDREN
Ages 0 – 19 Years
SUMMIT COUNTY
Child abuse data are available only for incidents that are reported
to Summit County Human Services. This information is counted
separately in three categories: 1) the total number of referrals
2) the total number of investigations and 3) the total number of
confirmed incidents. Staff who receive the initial calls screen
those that are considered serious enough to be investigated; of
these, only a small number become confirmed incidents. The
numbers that are reported do not tell us the number of children
who are victims of child abuse, because some children are involved
in more than one incident of abuse.
Child abuse has a detrimental impact on the growth and development of children and is a symptom of family dysfunction that
requires intervention by authorities. Failing to take steps to
prevent child abuse affects not only the children, but also the
families where child abuse occurs. Once child abuse has occurred,
the costs of intervention are high. Summit County must develop
the resources to protect all children and to help them grow,
achieve their potential and become contributing members of society.
Trends in the numbers of investigated and confirmed incidents of
child abuse have been relatively stable, both in Summit County
and in Colorado.
Summit County
HUMAN WELL-BEING
CHILD ABUSE
COLORADO
# of Investigations # of Confirmed Incidents # of Investigations # of Confirmed Incidents
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
29
21
22
19
16
3
4
2
3
3
29
27
26
24
24
(Source: Summit County Government, Human Services Department)
5
5
5
4
4
31
HUMAN WELL-BEING
PER PUPIL EXPENDITURES
supplemented by special increases approved as part of the local
school districts to improve not only their physical plants, but
election process. Higher levels of per pupil expenditures allow
also the resources available to students in their classrooms.
Data on per pupil expenditures are maintained by the Summit
Having a well-funded school system, more generally, reflects on
School District on a yearly basis. These data reflect total school
the attractiveness of Summit County to new residents and
related expenditures divided by the number of students enrolled in
prospective employers.
Summit County schools; hence, year to year changes in average
per pupil expenditures reflect changes in the amount of funds
expended as well as fluctuations in the size of the student body.
Per pupil expenditures in the Summit School District have
fluctuated from year to year over the past five years. Compared
to statewide figures, per pupil spending in Summit County has been
In the aggregate, per pupil expenditures are an indication of a
similar to or even higher than per pupil expenditures across the
community’s investment in education. Funds available to the school
State of Colorado. In recent years, however, increases in
system are generated through property taxes and can be
expenditures have lagged behind and Summit County per pupil
spending is 14 percent lower than the statewide average. Per pupil
expenditures both in Summit County and in colorado are lower
PER PUPIL EXPENDITURES
Per Pupil Expenditures compared to the other 50 states and the
$6,386
$6,804
$6,641
$7,063
$6,834
$8,758
$7,060
$8,051
District of Columbia (National Center for Education Statistics).
$7,314
$6,374
10,000
9,000
8,000
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
than the national average. In 1996/97, Colorado ranked 32nd in
1996/97
1997/98
1998/99
1999/2000
2000/01
Summit County
Colorado
Source: Colorado Department of Education www.cde.state.co.us/cdcdistrict/dist3000.htm
Summit County School District
32
Summit County
The graduation rate is the proportion of students who start in and
later graduate from a particular high school. Students transferring out of a school are not included in this calculation. In
addition, some students who do not graduate but who later earn a
high school diploma through a GED program are also not counted.
In today’s economy, a high school diploma is the minimum prerequisite for most jobs and the starting point for a student’s ability
to pursue higher education opportunities. While not a complete
GRADUATION RATE
reflection of all students who eventually complete their high
school degrees, the graduation rate does represent one indicator
SUMMIT COUNTY COLORADO
of the ability of students to complete their education successfully
within four years.
Whereas the graduation rate for students in Summit County
schools is high, the percent who do graduate has been declining.
If these trends continue, additional resources can be committed
to assisting students who appear to be less likely to graduate with
their classmates.
Year
1996
1997
1998
1999
# of Students Graduation
Graduating
Rate
114
118
117
154
95%
81.9%
81.8%
84.6%
Source: Summit School District and
Colorado Department of Education
Summit County
Graduation
Rate
80.3%
80.8%
82.1%
82.2%
HUMAN WELL-BEING
GRADUATION RATES
33
Summit County sponsored an assets survey in 1996, during which
youth in 6th, 8th, 9th and 12th grades were surveyed. This same
survey was repeated in 2000 and is projected to be conducted every
Youth assets are those strengths young people need to grow up
four years into the future. The data show that Summit County
healthy in today’s society. The Search Institute has defined 40
youth perceive their lives to be safe, to include family support and
assets that have been associated with healthy youth development.
to encourage a positive view of the future. On the more negative
These 40 assets have, in turn, been grouped into eight areas
side, those youth surveyed believed that school boundaries could
considered important in the lives of youth: support, empowerment,
be more clearly defined and that schools should provide a more
boundaries and expectations, constructive use of time,
caring environment. They also indicated that youth should be
commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies
more valued by the community as a resource. While there are
and positive identity.
ample opportunities for increasing the number of assets in Summit
34
County youth, particularly among older teens, Summit County
Research has shown that the more assets that young people have,
teens tend to have higher numbers of assets than those in other
the less likely they are to engage in risky behaviors (such as using
parts of the country. For more information, contact the Summit
alcohol/other drugs or engaging in early, unprotected sexual
Prevention Alliance at 970-668-2077.
intercourse.) Building assets in youth requires a prevention
Summit County
7th
18.5
16
6th
16.8
16.1
families, other adults, caring neighborhoods, and caring schools.
16.8
16.6
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
be supported through the nurturing relationships they find with
17.1
AVERAGE NUMBER OF YOUTH ASSETS BY GRADE
developmental building blocks essential to youth. Youth need to
19.7
approach that involves all community residents in supporting the
25.3
17.8
HUMAN WELL-BEING
NUMBER OF YOUTH ASSETS
8th
9th
12th
Source: Summit County Prevention Alliance
Summit County
Colorado
Reflecting changes in the demographic composition of Summit
County, there has been a very substantial increase in the demand
for classes that provide English language instruction within
Summit County Schools. Compared to the 1994-95 school year
The Summit School District maintains counts on the number of
when Summit County had only 20 students defined as English
students registered as English Language Learners (ELLs). Programs
Language Learners (ELLs), there were 342 ELL students registered
to support the bi-lingual educational needs of these students
in District schools as of November 2000, representing an average
include: bilingual programs in two schools, English as a Second
annual increase of 71 percent.
Language classes to ELLs for 30 minutes per day, immersion programs
that include support from bilingual paraprofessionals and two-way
exchange Spanish/English classes. In addition, English as a Second
Language classes are offered through Colorado Mountain College.
The Summit School District is working to meet the needs of students from all cultural backgrounds and has made improvements
in diversity services a part of the District Strategic Plan. As a
mechanism for connecting into the community, English language
classes are very important to students who have not yet achieved
competency in English. More broadly, the school district offers
programs for Spanish-speaking families and works cooperatively
with other community organizations to provide assistance to these
students and their families. Beyond the schools, opportunities to
improve English proficiency are important for adults from nonEnglish speaking backgrounds. Projected increases in the diversity
of the Summit County community suggest that continued support
for these programs is appropriate and necessary.
Summit County
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
20
0 1994
1995
NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO ARE
ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS
342
254
40
1995
1996
120
1996
1997
Source: Summit School District
174
182
1997
1998
1998
1999
1999
2000
2000
2001
HUMAN WELL-BEING
ENGLISH AS A
SECOND LANGUAGE
35
HUMAN WELL-BEING
RESOURCES FOR THE ARTS
arts: the number of arts organizations in the community and the
number of arts events. Data on these indicators are maintained by
the Summit County Arts Council.
The “arts” represent our commitment to culture, our ability to
transcend and better understand meaning in our daily lives. An
262
available to demonstrate Summit County’s commitment to the
271
different types of performing arts. Two separate indicators are
264
arts instruction, exhibits and education, as well as supporting
220
Arts organizations include a diverse array of groups that provide
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
188
NUMBER OF ARTS EVENTS
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
Source: Summit County Arts Council
investment in the arts through arts organizations and arts events
demonstrates a community’s connection to the cultural heritage
of the community and the nation’s broader arts tradition.
Offering cultural events also increases the attractiveness of
a community to visitors, potential residents and employers.
36
For a community with a relatively small resident population,
Summit County supports a substantially vital arts community.
Since 1995, the number of arts organizations in the county has
doubled from 13 to 26. In addition, there has been a 40 percent
increase in the number of arts events.
Summit County
The Colorado Bureau of Investigations compiles data annually
from all local police jurisdictions on the number of arrests
grouped by reason for arrest. These data can be used to track
trends in the numbers of arrests for “driving under the influence”
(DUI) within Summit County over time.
ARRESTS FOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
YEAR
SUMMIT COUNTY
COLORADO
NUMBER % OF ALL ARRESTS
NUMBER % OF ALL ARRESTS
84
100
115
130
245
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
64%
76%
74%
75%
28,226
35,742
36,041
36,354
14%
15%
15%
15%
Summit County values safety on its roads. Limits must be placed
on those who attempt to drive when they may be a hazard to
themselves and others in the community.
ARRESTS FOR DRIVING
UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Arrests for “driving under the influence” represent a higher
proportion of all arrests in Summit County compared to
Colorado as a whole. At the same time, Summit County has fewer
arrests for personal assaults and property crimes than other parts
of the state. It is unclear the extent to which the persons being
arrested for DUI offenses are permanent residents of Summit
County or visitors. When viewed over time, the number of DUI
arrests in Summit County is increasing.
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
84
1995
100
1996
115
1997
Source: Colorado Bureau of Investigations
Crime in Colorado (1995 – 1999) Denver, CO
Summit County
130
1998
245
1999
HUMAN WELL-BEING
ARRESTS FOR DRIVING
UNDER THE INFLUENCE
37
HUMAN WELL-BEING
ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE FOR
LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLDS
As of June, 2000, a total of 167 Summit County residents were
enrolled in the Medicaid program. In general, Medicaid participation tends to be relatively stable from year to year because of the
very low income eligibility standards and the fact that some
Several options exist for persons to receive medical care if they are
Medicaid enrollees are unable to work. An additional 24 Summit
unable to pay. The Medicaid program is available to individuals
County families participate in the Colorado Children’s Health
who can meet strict income criteria and qualify by being either a
Insurance Plan (CHIP). Finally, between 400 and 500 individuals
single parent with dependent children or because of a disability.
have received free care at the Summit County Community Care
An insurance plan for low-income children (the Children’s
Clinic over the past four years.
Health Plan) was created in 1997 to bridge the gap between
Medicaid and private insurance for qualifying families. Summit
County also has a Community Care Clinic that provides services
to those who are unable to afford medical care. In addition,
local providers typically write off certain charges as “uncompensated care,” that is, services that were billed, but for which
TOTAL CLIENTS USING
THE SUMMIT COUNTY COMMUNITY
CARE CLINIC
1995
501
1996
404
1997
440
1998
412
1999
535
payments are unlikely to be recovered.
38
The different benchmarks in this section provide an indication of
the numbers of Summit County residents who have difficulty
paying for medical care. Having a regular source of health care
helps to ensure that individuals receive preventive health care,
as well as early and cost-effective treatment for any acute or
chronic conditions that may arise. Delays in seeking care for
certain conditions can lead to further complications and the
need for more expensive treatments.
Summit County
Source: Community Care Clinic
Smaller communities such as Summit County have difficulty supporting health care facilities. Careful planning must be undertaken to ensure that an appropriate financial base exists to support
the sustainability of such institutions. Many rural areas have been
successful in developing multi-purpose facilities that offer emergency care, short-stay options and “swing beds” that can be used
While hospitals provide acute or “short-term” medical care,
dually for either short or long-term care. Continued planning
nursing homes offer medical assistance to residents who need
needs to be undertaken to develop the best facility options to meet
these services for a longer term or permanent basis. Assisted living
the needs of Summit County residents, as well as the growing
facilities allow residents to live somewhat independently, while
numbers of tourists and second home owners.
receiving support for meal preparation, chore assistance, and
medical supervision on an as-needed basis.
Medical resources that are available in Summit County include:
an urgent care surgery and birth center, primary care clinics, as
well as emergency medical transport to regional trauma facilities.
However, Summit County does NOT have any hospital, nursing
home or assisted living facilities. As the resident population grows,
the importance of developing such facilities increases. Currently,
those in need of acute or long-term care services are forced to
leave the community.
Local residents can use hospital facilities in Vail, Leadville, or
Kremmling or drive to the Denver metro area. There are no
nursing home facilities in Summit County, requiring all persons
in need of these services to relocate to the Denver area or other
parts of the state. A 28-bed assisted living facility is available in
Kremmling. This is the only assisted living facility in close
proximity to Summit County.
Summit County
HUMAN WELL-BEING
NUMBER OF HOSPITAL,
LONG-TERM CARE, AND
ASSISTED LIVING BEDS
For more information about current planning efforts related to
this indicator, contact Summit County Seniors at 970-668-5486.
39
SOURCES
SOURCES
Indicator
Livable Wage
Source
Summit County Population Colorado Department
of Local Affairs
www.dlg.oem2.state.co.us/demog
Summit County Statistician
970-668-4209
CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT & COMMUNITY COLLABORATION
Number of Registered
Voters Who Vote
Summit County Government,
Elections Deputy 970-453-3479
Number of Volunteers
Shaping Our Summit
970-513-8340 x213
Dollars Donated to and by
the Summit Foundation
The Summit Foundation
970-453-5970
ECONOMY, WORKFORCE AND HOUSING
Labor Force
970-668-4209
Total Skier Days
970-668-4209
Vacancy Rates
Northwest CO Council
of Governments 970-262-0739
Median Household Income
970-668-4209
Average Home Sale Price
970-668-4209
Number of Affordable
Housing Units
Summit Housing Authority
970-453-3555
CO Division of Housing
303-866-2033
40
Summit County
ENVIRONMENT
Land Ownership/Use
Use of Public Transportation
Traffic Volume
Amount of Materials
Recycled by Type
Wetlands
Water Quality
Water Supply vs. Demand
Bureau of Labor Statistics
http://stats.bls.gov
Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute
www.cofiscalpolicyinst.org/cfpi/pubs.htm
CO Division of Housing 303-866-2033
CO Department of Labor and Employment
http://navigator.cdle.state.co.us
GIS Department 970-668-4200
U.S. Census of Agriculture
www.census.gov/econ/www/agprogms.html
Continental Divide Land Trust
970-668-5581
970-453-2251
Town of Dillon
970-468-2403
Town of Frisco
970-668-5276
970-262-7300
Summit Stage
970-668-0999
CO Department of Transportation,
Traffic Analysis Office 303-757-9488
Summit Recycling Project, Inc.
970-668-5703
Planning Department 970-668-4204
Northwest CO Council of Governments,
Water Quality/Quantity Committee
970-468-0295
Northwest CO Council of Governments,
Water Quality/Quantity Committee
970-468-0295
HUMAN WELL-BEING
Prenatal Care
Colorado Department of Public Health
and Environment www.cdphe.state.co.us
Availability & Affordability
of Quality Child Care
Summit County Early Childhood
Resource and Referral Agency
970-513-1017
Kids Count for Summit County
www.coloradokids.org/counties/summit.html
CO Fiscal Policy Institute
www.cofiscalpolicyinst.org/cfpi/pubs.htm
Child Abuse
Summit County Human Services
970-668-4152
Per Pupil Expenditures
970-668-3011
CO Department of Education
www.cde.state.co.us
Graduation Rates
970-668-3011
CO Department of Education
www.cde.state.co.us
Number of Youth Assets
Summit Prevention Alliance
970-668-2077
English as a Second Language Summit School District
970-668-3011
Resources for the Arts
Summit County Arts Council
970-453-0450
Arrests for Driving
Under the Influence
Colorado Bureau of Investigations,
Crime in Colorado
www.cdpsweb.state.co.us
Access to Health Care
for Low Income Households CO Department of Human Services
Summit County Community Care Clinic
970-668-4181
Number of Hospital,
Long-Term Care and
Assisted Living Beds
Summit County Seniors
970-668-5486
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Jennifer Pratt Miles
Shaping Our Summit - a program of Meridian Institute
Telephone: 970-513-8340 x 213
Fax: 970-513-8348
P.O. Box 1829
105 Village Place
Dillon, CO 80435
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.shapingoursummit.org
REPORT PREPARATION:
The Center for Research Strategies
Kaia Gallagher, Ph.D., Amie Staudenmaier
225 East 16th Avenue, Suite 1150
Denver, Colorado 80203
303-860-1705
REPORT LAYOUT/PRINTING:
The Mastin Group
Tori R. Hutchens
P.O. Box 2629
Dillon, CO 80435
Telephone: 970-468-1470
Fax: 970-468-1462
Photography on pages 28 (background image) & 39 by Bob Winsett.

Summit County Report

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