The mayors of Ouray and Ridgway say the lack of affordable housing is the greatest challenge their communities face, with one going so far as to say his community won’t survive if it’s unable to help create enough places people can afford to buy and rent.

“If we do not find a way to solve the housing crisis, then this community will die,” Ouray Mayor Ethan Funk said. “I am not exaggerating. I am not making that up.”

Funk made his stark remarks on May 4 in front of about 30 elected and ...