Every Archway community begins with a vision, and a team dedicated to bringing it to life. We are proud to introduce you to Katie McKenna, Archway’s Housing Development Manager.
In her role, Katie transforms complex ideas into vibrant affordable housing communities where individuals and families can thrive for years to come. From identifying new opportunities to navigating the complicated development process, she plays a critical role in ensuring each project becomes a place residents can feel safe and proud to call home. Through her passion, resilience, and advocacy, Katie lays the foundation for long-term stability for every current and future Archway resident.
Q: In your role at Archway, what does ‘making an impact’ look like to you?
A: Honestly, it’s the everyday things. Making a resident’s (or future resident’s) life just a little better, whether that’s better lighting at Downing Square, designing a laundry room that people actually want to use, or helping bring a new senior community to life on a site with incredible services and resources. Sometimes it’s as simple as chatting with a resident in the hallway, or problem solving with a co-worker. Those moments add up, and it’s what impact looks like to me.
Q: Can you share a moment (big or small) when you saw how your work made a difference?
A: One that comes to mind is giving a tour of the Mosaic campus to a legislator. They were genuinely excited, asking a million questions, taking it all in, and really connecting with the work. It was one of those moments where you could see the lightbulb go on about what affordable housing can look like and why it matters. It was a great reminder that these spaces don’t just impact residents, they shift policy perspectives too.
Q: How does your work advance Archway’s mission?
A: I’m on the real estate development team, and my role is to help build out our pipeline of future projects. It might not sound like it at first, but most of my work is actually all about people, building partnerships, negotiating, and finding mutually beneficial solutions. Over time, these relationships turn into real projects, and eventually into homes for residents. It’s pretty cool to watch something that starts as a conversation or idea grow into a place where people can truly stabilize and thrive, even if it takes several years to get there.
Q: What’s something people might not realize about the work you do or the role your department plays?
A: In addition to development, I also lead Archway’s public policy and advocacy work. A big part of that is helping create an environment where our work as a developer, operator, and service provider can actually happen. That means analyzing legislation, advocating for public funding, testifying, meeting with legislators, and collaborating with coalition partners. It’s a lot of behind the scenes work, but it plays a huge role in making housing more affordable and accessible across Colorado.
Q: What motivates you to do this work, and keeps you inspired?
A: It’s usually the smallest things. Seeing a kid digging in a garden bed at Mosaic, neighbors chatting in the atrium at Robinson Place, getting to pet a resident’s dog at Downing Square, or laughing with co-workers in the HQ kitchen. Those are the moments that stick with me. They’re simple, but they are a reminder of what all the big, complex work is really for.
By becoming a monthly supporter of Archway, you make it possible for Katie to pursue new, creative housing solutions and advocate for the systemic change that helps communities thrive.
