Housing is one of the most talked-about issues in Colorado, but the reality on the ground is far more complex than most people realize. In this episode, Ross Izard sits down with Tony Lewis of the Donnell Kay Foundation to unpack what’s actually driving the affordable housing crisis, especially in rural communities.

The conversation goes beyond headlines and legislation to explore the real bottlenecks slowing housing development, from financing gaps and workforce constraints to the limits of government-driven solutions. It also highlights an often overlooked truth: building new housing is only part of the solution. Preserving existing affordable housing may be just as critical.

Because when it comes to housing, there isn’t a single fix, only a series of interconnected challenges that require new ways of thinking.

What we cover:
• Why affordable housing is so difficult to build, especially in rural areas
• The gap between state funding and real-world project timelines
• Why developers, not governments, ultimately build housing
• The role of nonprofit developers and philanthropic capital
• The limitations of policies like Proposition 123
• Why preserving existing affordable housing is just as important as building new

About the guest:
Tony Lewis is a longtime leader at the Donnell Kay Foundation, where he works at the intersection of policy, philanthropy, and systems change. With more than two decades of experience, he focuses on practical solutions across issue areas including housing, food systems, and education, with a particular emphasis on underserved and rural communities.

Resources:
• Donnell Kay Foundation: https://dkfoundation.org
• Rural Homes Colorado: https://ruralhomescolorado.com/

Leave a review and stay in touch:
If you enjoyed the episode, please rate and review the show. It helps more listeners find us. Have feedback or questions? Reach out to the team at straightup30@xiphosstrategies.com

Straight facts. Straight talk. Straight to the point.

In this episode of the Straight-Up 30, host Ross Izard sits down with Cortney Crouch and Rob Moulton of the Education Alliance of Colorado to explore how schools and parents can come together to influence education policy. What started as a small group of charter school leaders looking for better representation has grown into a statewide alliance supporting tens of thousands of students. The conversation breaks down how advocacy actually works, why parent voice matters, and how organizations like EAC are helping schools navigate an increasingly complex policy landscape.

What we cover:

• What the Education Alliance of Colorado is and how it started
• Why schools formed an association to engage in policy and advocacy
• How lobbying and grassroots parent engagement work together
• How EAC supports schools before, during, and after legislation passes
• Why empowering parents has become a key driver of policy impact

About the guests:

Cortney Crouch is Board Chair of the Education Alliance of Colorado and works with charter schools on finance and operations. Rob Moulton is a board member and longtime advocate for charter schools, with experience in school governance and legislative engagement. Together, they help lead EAC’s efforts to support schools and activate parent voices across Colorado.

Resources:
• Education Alliance of Colorado: edallianceco.org

Leave a review and stay in touch:

If you enjoyed the episode, please rate and review the show. It helps more listeners find us. Have feedback or questions? Email straightup30@xiphosstrategies.com

Straight facts. Straight talk. Straight to the point.

New data centers are rapidly expanding across the country, driven by the growth of AI and digital infrastructure.

But behind that growth are real questions about energy use, water consumption, cost to consumers, and community impact.

In this episode, Ross Izard sits down with Senator Cathy Kipp to break down one of the most complex policy debates of the Colorado legislative session. Two competing bills are shaping the conversation, one focused on incentives and economic growth, the other on guardrails, transparency, and long-term sustainability.

Because when new industries move fast, policy has to catch up just as quickly.

What we cover:
• What data centers are and why demand is growing so quickly
• The two competing bills at the Capitol and what each is trying to do
• Concerns around energy use, water consumption, and grid expansion
• Who should pay for infrastructure, companies or ratepayers
• The debate over tax incentives and whether they actually deliver value
• Community impacts, including environmental concerns and local opposition
• The political challenge of balancing labor, environmental, and economic interests
• What happens next as the legislative session moves toward a deadline

About the guest:
Cathy Kipp is a Colorado State Senator representing Fort Collins and currently serves as Senate President Pro Tempore. She is the sponsor of Senate Bill 102, which focuses on establishing guardrails, transparency, and protections related to data center development in Colorado.

Resources:
• Colorado General Assembly: https://leg.colorado.gov/
• Senate Bill 102: http://www.leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-102
• House Bill 1030: http://www.leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1030

Leave a review and stay in touch:
If you enjoyed the episode, please rate and review the show. It helps more listeners find us. Have feedback or questions? Email straightup30@xiphosstrategies.com.

Straight facts. Straight talk. Straight to the point.