DENVER
- Today, Governor Polis, Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno,
Representative Iman Jodeh, Representative Steven Woodrow, Representative
William Lindstedt, Representative Ruby Dickson, environmental leaders,
local government officials, housing, business, labor leaders, and
community leaders will announce a comprehensive plan to help create more
housing now for every Colorado budget.
The plan will create ways for the state to work with local
leaders to develop strategies that meet the needs of their communities
by incentivizing smart and efficient buildings, allowing more affordable
types of homes to be built. The plan will also help Colorado improve
air quality, grow open space, conserve our water, and plan for future
growth.
“I am proud to be part of a diverse group of leaders,
organizations, and businesses that recognizes that Colorado simply
cannot continue with the status quo to solve our housing affordability
challenges. I’m confident that local governments can work with the
Governor and State Legislature to rise to the occasion to address our
affordability crisis, united in our determination to work
collaboratively for a better future for our city and our state,” said
City of Boulder Mayor, Aaron Brockett.
“City leaders have been focused on housing and
affordability for some time and we thank the Governor and his team and
the legislature for caring about this important issue. The state has
held hundreds of stakeholder meetings to listen and try to better
understand the challenges we face. I’m excited for this next phase of
the conversation to see how we can work together to help make housing
more available to all in our state,” said Adam Paul, Lakewood Mayor.
"The simple goal of expanding housing options for
Coloradans can have a big impact. It can enable more people to live
closer to jobs, amenities, and transit, reinvigorate neighborhoods and
communities, reduce sprawl and lengthy commutes, and is one of our most
promising solutions to climate change,” said Alana Miller, Colorado
Policy Director for NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). “We have
an unprecedented opportunity with strong political momentum in Colorado
and urge legislators to be bold in tackling housing affordability to
improve our quality of life and our climate.”
“I enthusiastically support this plan to help our State in
creating more homes. As a National policymaker and builder of affordable
housing, I can attest we are decades behind in ensuring we are building
inclusive communities for everyone. This bill will remove barriers to
housing that have long existed,” said Albus Brooks, Vice President,
Milender White.
“Centennial State Prosperity applauds Governor Polis and
the legislature for taking action to address the housing crisis. Too
many Coloradans are struggling to afford housing and the state needs to
take action now to lower housing costs. We look forward to working with
the Governor and state legislators to help working families get ahead,”
said Austin Blumenfeld, Executive Director of Centennial State
Prosperity.
"The Colorado Housing Affordability Project is pleased to
see our state take action to address the serious undersupply of the most
affordable forms of housing. A statewide solution is needed to ensure a
level playing field across localities and to address the regional
impacts of restrictive land use regulation. This bill does that, while
still offering leeway for local officials to respond to local needs. We
are particularly supportive of the bill's focus on planning for housing
needs and ensuring residential density in transit-served locations,"
said Brian Connolly, Colorado Housing Affordability Project.
“When we talk about solving for the affordable housing
crisis in Colorado, we must focus on meaningful affordability,
preventing displacement, and equity in access to housing for
marginalized households. We are grateful that the Governor’s Office and
bill sponsors are hearing and responding to these issues, and we are
optimistic about how this legislation will shape housing policy in an
impactful way,” said Cathy Alderman, Colorado Coalition for the
Homeless.
“The governor and legislature’s commitment to affordable
housing and the streamlining of approvals for modular, will make a
significant impact on the number of houses we can build each year from
our factory,” said Charlie Chupp CEO of Fading West.
“Reducing housing costs is not a partisan challenge but
rather, high costs are a very serious reality confronting all
Coloradoans today. The challenges faced by those in rural Colorado,
rural resort communities or the major urban centers of the front range
are very different but our goals are the same. The supply chain,
interest rates, explosive growth, and availability of water and water
treatment, are just a few of the realities that got us to where we are
today. This led to a call to action – a 6 month long non-partisan
collaborative effort with key stakeholders, leaders and expertise from
across Colorado who sat down and developed options for deliberate growth
that maximizes local control and focuses state resources. County and
municipal governments working with the state on solutions will result in
real movement forward. It has been very refreshing to see the state
working in such a collaborative way, providing a state-level
policy-level framework and guidance options while ensuring local control
and flexibility for our unique environments in Colorado. This
watershed work will have a very real impact on attainable housing in
Colorado,” said Dan Williams, Teller County Commissioner.
“As a nurse living and working in Commerce City, I deeply
understand the need to improve access to housing that is affordable and
close to transit or to work. I, along with many of my colleagues, are
being pushed out of our communities due to the rising cost of housing
and the lack of housing options that are actually available. This means
many of us are driving far distances, exacerbating our stress and air
quality problem. This has very real health impacts that I see in my
clinic staff and patients every day/week/etc., Designing or modifying
communities to connect activity-friendly routes to everyday destinations
helps increase physical activity, create community connections, and
improve health equity. Our state leaders must be forward-thinking and
intersectional in their solutions and address the housing crisis in a
way that creates walkable communities, improves access to transit, and
improves air quality. This package is our opportunity to achieve just
that,” said Dr. Darci Martinez, PhD, RN, FNP, National Alliance of
Hispanic Nurses.
“Rising costs of housing is outpacing the wages of fire
fighters and without affordably priced housing options, many
firefighters commute 1-2 hrs to their firehouses. We have seen this
problem worsen and expand over time to all corners of the state. I am
glad to see our state and local leaders taking action to make housing in
Colorado more affordable and available for our fire fighters,
workforce, and all other Coloradans,” said Dennis Eulberg, Executive
Director for Colorado Professional Fire Fighters.
“Colorado is grappling with two major crises: housing
affordability and climate change. Building more homes in our
communities, near transit and jobs, and reining in sprawling development
on Colorado’s natural and agricultural lands will help solve both
challenges. These smart growth policies are essential for lowering
housing costs, cutting traffic and transportation pollution, and
protecting Colorado’s great outdoors,” said Elise Jones, Executive
Director of Southwest Energy Efficiency Project.
“Colorado is facing housing challenges that require an
all-hands-on-deck approach of housing advocates, businesses and local
leaders coming together to provide real, Colorado solutions. This plan
is the Colorado way and will ensure that together, the most affordable
housing choices are built for Coloradans,” said Eva Henry, Adams County
Commissioner.
“Having affordable housing advocates, businesses and
environmentalists together in support of a bill is rarely seen at the
State Capitol, but this is a common sense policy to address an
all-hands-on-deck challenge. This bill will deliver more of the most
affordable types of housing to Coloradans, making our communities and
economy healthier,” said Jake Williams, Healthier Colorado CEO.
“To keep Colorado competitive, it is an economic imperative
that we develop housing for every budget. The lack of housing is one of
the biggest concerns we hear from businesses looking to relocate,
expand, or even stay in Colorado. There are many stakeholders who need
to rally to address our housing crisis, and it is a complicated policy
problem, no doubt. We look forward to working with Governor Polis,
legislators, local government leaders, and our business community
through this bill to craft real incentives and solutions. Statewide
awareness of the issue is essential – and while communities need
flexibility to best accomplish our collective goals, this bill and the
Governor’s leadership will help provide the tools and incentives needed
to move us forward,” said J.J. Ament, CEO of Denver Metro Chamber of
Commerce.
“Housing for our workforce is critical to a vibrant and
sustainable economy. Full stop. The Boulder Chamber stands with Governor
Polis and local leaders as they work to eliminate housing development
barriers that are inconsistent with our economic, equity and
environmental goals,” John Tayer, President and CEO of the Boulder
Chamber.
“One community's resident is another community's visitor,
and that community's resident is another community's teacher, childcare
provider, and or firefighter. Our municipalities are interconnected,
yet, we plan housing initiatives as if this issue doesn't cross
community borders. It's our duty to work together to solve the housing
affordability crisis while maintaining local flexibility to address the
housing needs of diverse residents—prioritizing those who are most in
need. With smart and thoughtful planning, we can make sure that people
aren't priced out of the communities they love, and we can build homes
that fit the needs and budgets of all Coloradans,” said Jonathan
Cappelli, Executive Director, Neighborhood Development Collaborative.
"Housing is a crisis all over Colorado. Mountain
communities have been leading on this issue for years, and we are happy
that there is potential for statewide goals that align the entire state,
while still respecting the differences in communities," said Glenwood
Springs Mayor, Jonathan Godes.
“The climate crisis and the housing crisis are intertwined.
We all deserve clean air to breathe and a stable place to call home.
That’s why we’re very encouraged by this policy and its potential to
help reduce climate emissions, create more diverse housing options to
meet the needs of Colorado and help Colorado build a more sustainable
and equitable future,” said Kelly Nordini, CEO of Conservation Colorado.
“Across Colorado, there are servers and cooks, janitors and
maintenance staff, home health and childcare workers earning far too
little to live in the communities where they work. In this effort to
more sustainably share our land while expanding housing supply, we must
increase the number of homes affordable to people living on low and
fixed incomes and prevent the displacement of vulnerable communities. We
appreciate the openness of the Governor’s and departmental staff and
the legislature on these critical considerations and are committed to
ongoing conversations with them, bill sponsors, and fellow stakeholders
as we work together to get it right,” Kinsey Hasstedt, State and Local
Policy Director, Enterprise Community Partners.
“When it comes to talent recruitment and workforce
development, Colorado’s limited housing supply and affordability is a
growing concern for businesses statewide. We are in desperate need of
new tools and incentives to increase the development of new housing,
especially in high-demand areas where employers are looking to attract a
diverse collective of workers. We applaud Governor Polis for his
leadership to streamline development and deploy new tools to ensure our
communities can support long-term growth in Colorado’s workforce and
economy,” said Loren Furman, President & CEO, the Colorado Chamber
of Commerce.
“We applaud Governor Polis’ bold leadership aimed at
addressing the state’s housing inventory crisis. The Governor’s plan is
smart and will make a real difference, cutting red tape, promoting
sustainability, and getting the people of this state the housing
solutions they so desperately need,” said redT Homes CEO, Nathan Adams.
“Addressing the housing crisis requires state and local
governments to come together to create effective change that will allow
more affordable housing to be built, faster. By breaking down barriers
and building the most affordable type of housing options, more
Coloradans will be able to find the home they deserve, and our
communities will continue to flourish,” said Westminster City Councilor
Obi Ezeadi.
“Colorado has a unique opportunity to become a national
model in our approach to addressing our housing crisis as we work
collaboratively across sectors to better leverage our state and local
resources. The policy goals in the More Housing Now bill will streamline
regulations, making it easier to increase wealth equity, housing
supply, and the variety of housing types necessary to make sure every
Coloradan has a place to call home,” said Pat Hamill, CEO, of Oakwood
Homes.
“The unaffordability of housing in Colorado has reached
crisis levels, and this often causes a terrible domino effect related to
food security, transportation, health, and education. Having a safe and
affordable home—whether you rent or buy—is key to quality of life and
economic security. So, this is a welcome, much-needed legislative
solution,” said Papa Dia, Executive Director, the African leadership
Group.
“I emphatically applaud Governor Polis’s inspirational
leadership; a new Coloradan housing future is upon us. The goal must be
to end our housing depression. Let us start with the first point on the
value chain, let us start with our codes, let us scrutinize our scale
decisions, and let us build the homes that Coloradans require to
thrive,” said Peter LiFari, Chief Executive Officer of Maiker Housing
Partners.
“When Colorado builds better, Colorado is better. Not only
will this bill infuse housing affordability back into our communities,
but it will also tackle issues core to keeping Colorado the best place
to live. It will diversify the types of homes available so people have
options to rent or buy, keeps people in the homes and communities where
they've lived for generations, ensures there is statewide planning to
accommodate homes that people can afford for every budget, saves
taxpayer dollars on sprawling infrastructure projects, conserves water
and our beautiful open spaces, and begins to reverse our climate crisis.
The benefits of statewide planning and regional coordination are
endless,” said Ray Rivera, Colorado Builds Better.
“The lack of affordable housing options is a crisis
affecting our entire State, and requires immediate action. Housing is a
fundamental human need and government plays a role ensuring an equitable
pathway for everyone. We look forward to continue to collaborate with
the State in order to holistically address the housing crisis,” said
Raymond C. Lee III, Greeley City Manager.
“We’re encouraged to see Governor Polis, the state
legislature and local leaders taking the lead to create systemic changes
to our state’s land use policies. The lack of affordable housing
directly affects our teacher shortage, which in turn directly affects
the quality of our students’ education. Where affordable housing is hard
to find, so are educators,” said Rob Gould, President of the Denver
Classroom Teachers Association.
“Affordable and attainable housing remains one of the most
critical needs in mountain destination communities. I applaud the
Governor and legislature for bringing forward a viable solution for
barriers currently preventing communities and businesses from creating
more housing options locally. With the proposed changes in legislation,
communities, and businesses like Steamboat Ski Resort, can identify new
ways to create more affordable and attainable housing opportunities for
our workforce; ultimately supporting our economy and providing a
foundation for locals to thrive,” said Rob Perlman, President &
Chief Operating Officer, Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation.
“Governor Polis is putting small businesses first by
tackling the housing crisis head on. Colorado Springs has a thriving
small business community, but it’s become increasingly challenging for
workers to find affordable housing. This is an issue that affects all
wage and salaried workers. Lowering housing costs with sustainable
solutions will attract small businesses and incentivize home-grown
talent to stay in Colorado Springs,” said Rodney Gullatte, Jr. CEO of
Firma IT Solutions in Colorado Springs.
“Our Governor has been at the forefront of our major issues
in Colorado from education and health to employment and housing, his
leadership is transformative,” said Rudy Gonzales, Servicios de la Raza.
“Our health care workers are experiencing our housing
crisis both professionally and personally. First, they can't afford to
live in or near the communities they serve because there aren't homes
that fit their needs and budgets. Second, when they go to work, they
treat patients experiencing the health impacts of our poor air quality,
largely caused by heavy traffic and commuting emissions. This solution
will help ease the extreme burden housing costs have on our health care
workforce while making our air cleaner and healthier for their
patients,” said Sabrina Pacha, Senior Director, Healthy Air and Water
Colorado.
“Surveys by AARP show most Coloradans, including older
adults, prefer to live in walkable neighborhoods that offer a mix of
housing and transportation options,” said Sara Schueneman, AARP Colorado
State Director. “Maximizing middle housing helps keep people in the
neighborhoods they want to age in with dignity.” “Middle Housing can
provide a community with a wider range of housing options, at various
price points, while maintaining the character of the community. They
also provide the size and affordability options that people of all ages —
including older adults — need but can’t often find,” Schueneman added.
“As both a City Councilor and an urban planner working in
the Denver region, I support the Governor's office and legislature's
goal of addressing our housing needs through strategic planning and
policy. We are at a critical juncture where growth has outpaced our
housing supply, placing many out of reach of housing they can afford.
The framework of this bill provides a path toward diversifying and
adding housing where we have the capacity to grow. While it's still a
work in progress and will be refined further, the goal of this bill is
to offer flexibility to each community, respecting our Colorado culture
of local control. Our communities are all very different--from our
location and access to transit, to whether we're built out or still
growing--and we all need tools that will meet us where we are today and
where we're headed in the future. I look forward to further refinement
of this vision,” said Sarah Nurmela, Westminster City Councilor.
“Housing is the biggest issue for the average Coloradan,
and we're deeply grateful that the Governor continues to center housing
as a priority. Our current housing crisis demands that we consider
every and all solutions. We hope this legislation serves to increase the
number of units available and make it possible for more people to have a
place to call home,” said Shara Smith, Exec Dir of the Interfaith
Alliance of Colorado.
“Colorado’s housing crisis affects all of us, and we must
work together to solve it. Whether it’s a teacher, a first responder, or
a small business owner—the housing shortage impacts far too many
Coloradans. Solutions will require deeper collaboration between state
and local governments. I appreciate that this legislation seeks to find
the right balance between statewide strategies and the unique nature of
each community across Colorado,” said Tamara Pogue, Summit County
Commissioner.
“The new legislation addresses a long-standing issue that
Colorado communities have been facing. This will hopefully serve its
purpose for not only homeowners but also renters who I am hopeful will
benefit from this effort,” said Tejwant Mangat, Sikh community leader.
“Affordable housing is an important contributor to student
success and also to the well-being of our faculty and staff. The
University of Colorado appreciates and applauds the efforts of state and
local leaders to find creative solutions so that members of the CU
community can continue to call Colorado home,” said CU President, Todd
Saliman.