WESTMINSTER, CO (Feb. 12, 2021) – Peter LiFari, Executive Director at Maiker Housing Partners, has been selected for the 2021 Terry J. Stevinson Fellowship alongside Evelyn Lim, Director of Policy and Research at the Cornerstone Institute. Sponsored by The Common Sense Institute, The 2021 Stevinson Fellowship will focus on the critical issue of affordable housing in Colorado.
The Common Sense Institute (CSI) is a Denver-based, non-partisan research organization committed to protecting and promoting Colorado’s Economy. The Terry J Stevinson Fellowship was established in honor of Stevinson, a Colorado auto business leader and founding board member of CSI. The fellowship was designed to spur thoughtful policy discussions that lead to potential solutions regarding the many policy and economic challenges facing Coloradans. Each year, CSI works alongside fellows with expertise in a particular area on an issue concerning growth.
“The focus of the 2021 fellowship is an issue that impacts every single Coloradan – housing affordability,” said CSI President and CEO Kristin Strohm in a press release. “The bottom line is that is people can’t afford to live here, economic development will suffer, jobs will suffer, families will suffer, and our economy will stagnate.”
Housing affordability has become one of the most critical issues facing the state with Colorado ranked in the top 10 most expensive places to live. It is a significant contributor to the state’s economy and quality of life. Over the next year, the Stevinson Fellows will dive into this topic and research the issues surrounding growth and housing.
“I am honored to be selected as a fellow alongside Evelyn Lim. Solving major problems requires challenging our assumptions and approaching complex issues from different perspectives,” said LiFari. “I look forward to contributing my knowledge to move the needle on affordable housing in our state.”
LiFari is the Executive Director for Maiker Housing Partners, an organization whose mission is to disrupt generational poverty through socially conscious community development in Adams County. Outside of his work in Adams County, he serves on the board of Directors at indieDwell, as Regional President of Mountain Plains NAHRO, and as Chairperson for the Adams County COVID-19 Housing Response and Recovery Task Force.
Evelin Lim currently serves as the Director of Policy and Research at the American Cornerstone Institute. Recently, she served as the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Regional Administrator for Region 8, covering Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota. In 2020, she supported HUD Secretary Carson in his role to help lead the COVID-19 Task Force.
“Evelyn and Peter represent different perspectives of this important issue and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to this project,” said Strohm. “We’re looking forward to releasing their findings later this year.”
