Aspen and the American Dream

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How is it possible for a town to have a median household income of about $73,000 while the median home price is around $4,000,000? Stuber delves into the complex dynamics of Aspen, Colorado, revealing how middle-class residents navigate this supergentrified environment. Through interviews with a diverse array of residents, policymakers, and officials, she uncovers that the key to reconciling income levels with home values lies in the orchestration of various class interests within local politics and the community. This balance is achieved through a stringent land use code that benefits affluent investors and part-time residents, while also providing essential support to less-affluent locals via subsidies, including an extensive affordable housing program. Stuber also addresses the role of Latinos, who perform much of the service work in Aspen but often live outside the town, highlighting their place in the social geography of one of the nation’s most unequal areas. Ultimately, she argues that Aspen's ability to harmonize the interests of its diverse constituencies is not guaranteed; it results from the concerted efforts of local stakeholders—citizens, government, developers, and vacationers—dedicated to preserving the town's unique character and ensuring its complex dynamics continue to thrive.