Representative A. Valdez, prime bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 22-211, concerning the repurposing of the Ridge View campus into a supportive residential community for people experiencing homelessness. The bill transfers ownership of all or part of the Ridge View Campus from the Colorado Department of Human Services (DHS) to the Department of Personnel and Administration for use by the Division of Housing in the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) as a supportive residential community for people experiencing homelessness. DOLA, in collaboration with the DHS, must develop a master plan for the redevelopment and operation of the Ridge View Campus into the Ridge View Supportive Residential Community (community), including a financial plan for startup and ongoing operational costs. The community must provide transitional housing, a continuum of behavioral health services and treatment, medical care, vocational training, skill development, and transportation for residents and the public. DOLA is required to select one or more contractors experienced in providing statewide integrated housing, health care, recovery treatment, and supportive service programs for people experiencing homelessness to establish the community. The administrator of the community must also work with local providers across the state to set up a referral system for clients to live at the community.

Representative A. Valdez responded to questions from the committee.

The committee recessed.

Jerry Adamek, representing the Ridge View Academy School Board, testified in opposition to the bill.

Doug MacCarthy, representing the Ridge View Academy School Board, testified in opposition to the bill.

Kevin Lash, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Adamek read a statement from Brad Billingsly, representing the Ridge View School Board, in opposition to the bill.

Sam Roumph, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

The panelists responded to questions.

Minna Castillo Cohen, representing the Colorado DHS, testified in support of the bill.

Cathy Alderman, representing the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, testified in support of the bill.

Heidi Baskfield, representing Children's Hospital Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

The panelists responded to questions from the committee.

Written testimony was submitted to the committee (Attachment G).  

Representative A. Valdez made concluding remarks on Senate Bill 22-211. Committee members commented on the bill.