Housing Forward Colorado
@housingfwdco.bsky.social
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A pro-housing, climate-driven project of
@sweep2001.bsky.social
| housingforwardco.org
š£ļø Live in Aurora? RSVP to the Aurora for All launch party! Tuesday, May 12 from 6-8pm at Ollin Cafetzin š„³
bit.ly/A4Alaunch
Special thanks to our cohosts
@yimbyaction.bsky.social
@bikewalkbus.bsky.social
Warm Cookies of the Revolution, The Redress Movement, and Black Parents United Foundation š
15 days ago
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"Many suburbs are not built for walking, biking and public transportation; theyāre built assuming everybody is going to drive." We want connected communities that are walkable and transit-friendly. We can achieve this by building in existing neighborhoods!
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Searching for the āSmoking Gunā in US Pedestrian Deaths
Why did American streets get so deadly for those on foot or bikes? A leading transportation safety researcher sees some surprising factors behind the crisis.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-04-14/what-s-really-driving-the-pedestrian-safety-crisis-in-us-cities
16 days ago
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We want to celebrate two more Colorado communities in compliance with Proposition 123: Wheat Ridge and Lyons! š„³
#prop123
#lyons
#wheatridge
#colorado
19 days ago
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Colorado's 2001 "construction defects" law has nearly killed condo production in the state, erasing first-time homeownership opportunities for an estimated 43,000 households today. Maiker Housing Partners CEO Peter LiFari lays out the data:
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The future of Colorado condo development | OPINION
By Peter LiFari For nearly two decades, the story of condominium construction in Colorado has been mistold, misunderstood and misrepresented. This outcome reflects the cumulative effect of more thanā¦
https://www.coloradopolitics.com/2026/04/09/the-future-of-colorado-condo-development-opinion/
about 1 month ago
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Remember starter homes? Whether or not you recall a time when smaller homes at lower prices were a real option, read our latest blog article to learn how Colorado can bring them back. š ļø ā¬ļø š²
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How lot size flexibility can lower housing costs in Colorado
A visual overview of Coloradoās HB26-1114 and HB26-1308 to legalize starter homes on smaller lotsā¦
https://housingforwardco.org/how-lot-size-flexibility-can-lower-housing-costs-in-colorado/
about 1 month ago
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Lakewood's special election results are in, but are the results representative? In our newest blog post, we explore whose interests are represented in special elections, what local versus state legislation can do, and what we can learn from this rollback.
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Low-turnout special election rolls back Lakewood zoning reform
Lakewood voters roll back zoning reform in low-turnout special election, halting local efforts to expand affordable housing options.
https://housingforwardco.org/low-turnout-special-election-rolls-back-lakewood-zoning-reform/
about 1 month ago
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"This separation of uses led to the unique phenomenon of American suburban sprawl, requiring the automobile to get around as the areas for lifeās functions spread further apart. It also locked in the hegemony of the single-family home, at the expense of more affordable multifamily housing."
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How Zoning Won
In 1926, the Supreme Courtās Euclid decision enshrined zoning in US cities. On its 100th anniversary, academics gathered to reflect on the landmark rulingās mixed legacy.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-19/at-100-euclidean-zoning-is-overdue-for-reform
about 2 months ago
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"Most conversations about exclusionary zoning focus on how it blocks low-income residents from sought-after communities...I show it can both lock people out of opportunity and put additional strain on already high-poverty communities next door."
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How exclusionary zoning worsens poverty across city limits
Exclusionary zoning laws exacerbate the national housing shortage, housing costs, and segregation.
https://evictionlab.org/how-exclusionary-zoning-worsens-poverty-across-city-limits/
about 2 months ago
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Last year, we wrote about Portland, OR, as a case study illustrating why Lakewood, CO, should adopt "missing-middle housing" zoning reforms. WaPo tells the same story here:
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
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https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2026/03/18/portland-housing-infill-ratio-duplexes/
about 2 months ago
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Supply-side solutions increase affordability! We just need grow strategically: making sure homes are built in areas with pre-existing infrastructure to preserve open land, reduce driving, and save money for cities and households.
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Austinās Surge of New Housing Construction Drove Down Rents
After decades of explosive growth, Austin, Texas, in the 2010s was a victim of its own success. Lured by high-tech jobs and the cityās hip reputation, too many people were competing for too fewā¦
https://www.pew.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2026/03/18/austins-surge-of-new-housing-construction-drove-down-rents
about 2 months ago
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In just two years, state data shows Prop 123 has helped Colorado invest nearly $502 million to finance 10,377 homes and support 87,603 households. The legislature should not sacrifice it in our budget crunch.
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Opinion: Coloradoās commitment to housing should not be cut 40% in stateās budget crunch
As legislators grapple to fix the deficit, the work that Proposition 123 has provided shows it must remain fully intact.
https://coloradosun.com/2026/03/31/opinion-colorado-housing-legislature-budget-cuts-prop-123/
about 2 months ago
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Congrats to the 15 projects awarded a total of $1.4 million through DOLA's Housing Planning Grant Program! This supports compliance with SB24-174 -- incl. housing needs assessments and action plans, and strategic growth and water supply elements of comp plans.
cdola.colorado.gov/press-releas...
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https://cdola.colorado.gov/press-release/department-of-local-affairs-announces-awards-for-latest-housing-planning-grant-0?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
2 months ago
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A new report from the Pikes Peak Housing Network shows some positive signs in Colorado Springs' housing market, but leaders warn of a growing gap between income-restricted affordable vs market-rate housing: the "missing middle." Building smaller homes on smaller lots is the answer!
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Colorado Springs housing report shows progress, 'missing middle' remains growing concern
A report from the Pikes Peak Housing Network shows some positive signs in the local housing market, but leaders warn a gap between affordable and market-rate housing is becoming a "ticking time bomb."
https://www.koaa.com/money/consumer/colorado-springs-housing-report-shows-progress-missing-middle-remains-growing-concern#google_vignette
2 months ago
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Longmont will use its $4 million in pilot TOCI grant funds for a transit hub featuring 10 bus bays, 40 bike and scooter parking spots, mixed-use commercial space, and up to 300 homes. Congratulations to Longmont and the other pilot grant recipients: Denver, Fort Collins, and Wheat Ridge!
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How a $4 Million State Grant Could Transform Longmontās Transit Corridor
This inaugural TOCI grant will benefit Longmont, Fort Collins, Denver, and Wheat Ridge.
https://www.longmontleader.com/local-news/how-a-4-million-state-grant-could-transform-longmonts-transit-corridor-11937684
2 months ago
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The city of Grand Junction has been expanding attainable housing through accessory dwelling unit (ADU) programs, and it has resulted in a 130% production increase in just two years!
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Grand Junction sees 130% increase in accessory dwelling unit production since 2023
City programs aim to reduce barriers and expand attainable housing options
https://www.kjct8.com/2026/02/28/grand-junction-sees-130-increase-accessory-dwelling-unit-production-since-2023/
2 months ago
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Thanks to the recent apartment construction boom in Denver, rents are going down -- and incentives for new tenants are going up! Building more homes reduces housing costs for EVERYONE in a given city. Glad it's happening here!
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Golden Triangle apartment complex raises bar for incentives to attract tenants
Revesco Properties pushes the bar even higher offered a $50,000 grand prize and a yearās worth of free rent to attract and retain tenants.
https://www.denverpost.com/2026/03/10/denver-apartment-incentives-sweepstakes-free-rent/?trk_msg=9TBDC2CRDKK497H7M03CFR32SG&trk_contact=ICG1DBI42FIF2T50IDQ51S81GK&trk_sid=LUTACB45RO4C7UPCVJVVRH9CP0&trk_link=NED1STDJMSB4J5QVUIOP4C3DIS&utm_email=8423B421B582446FE4FC9459F9&lctg=8423B421B582446FE4FC9459F9&active=no&utm_source=listrak&utm_medium=email&utm_term=https%3a%2f%2fwww.denverpost.com%2f2026%2f03%2f10%2fdenver-apartment-incentives-sweepstakes-free-rent%2f&utm_campaign=denv-denver_post-mile_high_roundup-nl&utm_content=manual
2 months ago
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Thornton is transforming an abandoned strip mall. Ideally the new development will include plenty of housing mixed with small stores, restaurants, and green space! Kudos to City Council for acknowledging gentrification and displacement concerns -- we'll be watching to see how those are addressed.
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Hopes of revitalization for a derelict suburban Denver shopping center: āWe need to have a gathering space.ā
āWe want to see the project spill over into the neighboring community,ā Thornton Councilman Justin Martinez said. āI want to see this development as a catalyst to further improvemā¦
https://www.denverpost.com/2026/03/02/thornton-shopping-center-redevelopment-progress/
2 months ago
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Congratulations to Hayden for its $75k Housing Needs Assessment grant from DOLA! HNAs are essential to establish how much housing a community needs today and will need in the coming years.
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Town of Hayden receives $75k DOLA grant for housing needs assessment
The town of Hayden has received $75,000 from the Colorado Department of Local Affairsā Housing Planning Grant Program for a housing needs assessment and action plan, according to a statement releasedā¦
https://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/town-of-hayden-receives-75k-dola-grant-for-housing-needs-assessment/
2 months ago
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Housing's first big victory of this year's session in the Colorado state legislature: the HOME Act! Thanks to this new law, qualified nonprofits and schools will be able to build attainable housing on their land. Read the press release to learn more!
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Colorado Senate passes HOME Act, eliminating barriers to building more housing
HB26-1001 will remove barriers to building housing on centrally-located, underutilized land.
https://housingforwardco.org/housing-news/colorado-senate-passes-home-act-eliminating-barriers-to-building-more-housing/
2 months ago
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Awesome illustrations of how zoning reform can build better residential blocks:
www.archpaper.com/2024/03/zoni...
2 months ago
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Congratulations to Archuleta County / Pagosa Springs and City of Fruita for being the first in Colorado to submit an approved Housing Needs Assessment and Housing Action Plan, respectively! š„³š SB24-174 helps municipalities assess and plan for local housing needs, including through state grants...
2 months ago
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New report finds that Colorado has only 27 affordable and available rental homes per 100 extremely low income renter households:
nlihc.org/gap
2 months ago
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UCLA research found that, across 17 cities, the 2025 construction cost for new parking was on average $73,000 *per space* underground, and $52,000 *per space* aboveground. That adds $50,000 to $100,000 in costs per home!
la.streetsblog.org/2026/03/02/n...
2 months ago
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A new report by Georgetown Law claims that building new housing doesnāt help low-income renters. But the study's flaws explain why its findings run counter to 3 other recent studies on the same issue. Learn more:
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The Research All Points in the Same Direction: Adding More Homes Curbs Rents for Low-Income Tenants - Metropolitan Abundance Project
The Center on Poverty and Inequality at Georgetown Law made a surprising and contrarian argument in a new paper: adding more homes does not benefit low-income tenants. Three recent separate analysesā¦
https://www.metroabundance.org/adding-more-homes-curbs-rent/
3 months ago
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(1/) Multifamily residential buildings -- triplexes, fourplexes, and small apartment buildings -- would be the most economically efficient types of homes if they were allowed to be. But even after they're (re-)legalized, burdensome regulations drive up their costs.
3 months ago
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HB24-1152 is working: A Colorado Springs builder says he's received 50% more inquiries about ADUs since the city updated its ordinance to align with state law encouraging ADU construction.
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Nearly a year after the Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance was passed, what's changed?
One option city leaders hope could help address the housing crisis is Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
https://www.koaa.com/money/consumer/nearly-a-year-after-the-accessory-dwelling-unit-ordinance-was-passed-whats-changed
3 months ago
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We're excited for the new housing research hub at Denver University!
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University of Denver to launch first-of-its-kind housing research hub
The University of Denver is launching a new Center for Housing Research and Innovative Solutions to tackle one of the state's most pressing issues.
https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/university-denver-housing-research-hub/
3 months ago
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Huge kudos to Denver, Fort Collins, Longmont, and Wheat Ridge for being the first to receive Transit Oriented Communities Infrastructure Grants!
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Four Colorado cities receive over $13 million in pilot-round Transit Oriented Community Infrastructure grants
Colorado cities are moving fast to access state funding for infrastructure supporting affordable housing under HB24-1313.
https://housingforwardco.org/housing-news/four-colorado-cities-receive-over-13-million-in-pilot-round-transit-oriented-community-infrastructure-grants/
3 months ago
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Edgewater is considering solutions that work to lower housing costs for everyone: ADUs and more apartments!
www.denver7.com/news/local-n...
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Denver7 | Your Voice: Edgewater's unique affordability challenge
Edgewater council member Lilly Steirer moved to the quaint town west of Sloan's Lake 13 years ago, in part, because it was affordable for her family. That likely wouldn't be the case today.
https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/denver7-your-voice-edgewaters-unique-affordability-challenge
3 months ago
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āWe always hear about the enrollments at the schools going down. A big piece of that is no one has anywhere to live,ā said Javonni Butler.
www.denverpost.com/2026/02/13/d...
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Vacant site of former Denver school to be redeveloped into 80-unit residential housing complex
Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group submitted a proposal to Denver to construct an 80-unit complex at 1275 Decatur St., formerly home to a school building.
https://www.denverpost.com/2026/02/13/denver-school-site-redevelopment-residential-housing/
3 months ago
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Denver's income-restricted affordable housing has high vacancy rates in part because of a big recent increase in supply in the non-subsidized housing market, which lowers rents across the board. BUT demand will catch up and overwhelm the available housing. We must ensure that construction keeps up!
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Denverās affordable-housing vacancy rate is at a 10-year high. Experts say the city still needs more units.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said one of his goals for 2026 is to bring another 2,500 affordable units online and 5,000 more market-rate units.
https://www.denverpost.com/2026/02/06/denver-affordable-housing-vacancy-rate/
3 months ago
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(1/2) In 2024, the median single-family home price was a near-record FIVE TIMES higher than the median household income in the US. Meanwhile, renter household mobility held steady from 2023ā2024, in large part due to new rental supply coming online!
3 months ago
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We applaud Commerce City's decision to legalize ADUs citywide! šš Not only does this help ease the housing shortage and affordability crisis, but the city is simultaneously making itself more competitive for 34 discretionary state grants.
www.denver7.com/news/local-n...
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ADUs approved across Commerce City to help ease housing shortage
Accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, are now allowed throughout Commerce City. Officials say this will help address housing needs.
https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/adus-approved-across-commerce-city-to-help-ease-housing-shortage
3 months ago
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We love seeing adaptive reuse for affordable housing -- especially in a city like Aurora that has so much potential for harmful sprawl!
www.cbsnews.com/colorado/new...
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Historic Colorado horse stables to become affordable housing community
Design plans for the community include walking trails, play areas, community gardens, and indoor gathering spaces. The property sits next to Expo Park and a city recreation center, the Highline Canalā¦
https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/historic-aurora-colorado-horse-stables-converted-affordable-housing-community/
3 months ago
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Solid explanation of Colorado Springs' housing shortage. "Colorado and Colorado Springs could differentiate themselves nationally by innovating in affordable housing and once again attracting workers and families...The next step for our region is a housing action plan."
gazette.com/2026/02/06/d...
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Decades of underbuilding set stage for housing crisis | Tatiana Bailey
https://gazette.com/2026/02/06/decades-of-underbuilding-set-stage-for-housing-crisis-tatiana-bailey/
3 months ago
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CO renters spend more than 30% of their income on housingā¼ļø The HOME Act continues our work to build affordable housing in the communities where Coloradans work and live. Join us in telling state lawmakers to vote YES on
#HB1001
!
3 months ago
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Working Coloradans are forced into long commutes because they canāt afford living in the communities they work in. The HOME Act (HB1001) would create more housing so that: 𩺠Nurses š Teachers š Firefighters can afford to live in the communities they support. Tell lawmakers to vote YES on
#HB1001
!
3 months ago
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New video from Sightline: How bans on smaller elevators block accessible homes.
www.sightline.org/2026/01/11/v...
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Video: Fixing North Americaās Big Elevator Problem
Video: Fixing North Americaās Big Elevator Problem
https://www.sightline.org/2026/01/11/video-fixing-north-americas-big-elevator-problem/
4 months ago
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"How McMansions lured us into an unhappiness trap" -- WSJ on why smaller houses can lead to happier lives:
archive.ph/9zDyE
4 months ago
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Props to Pasadena for this great program!
www.coloradoboulevard.net/new-pasadena...
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New Pasadena ADU Program Helps Homeowners Build Affordable Second Units
The City of Pasadena is helping homeowners create more affordable housing through its Pasadena Second Unit ADU Program, an initiative designed to support the co
https://www.coloradoboulevard.net/new-pasadena-adu-program-helps-homeowners-build-affordable-second-units/
4 months ago
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reposted by
Housing Forward Colorado
Max Nardo
4 months ago
Lots of middle housing progress in Colorado! - Lakewood legalized MH citywide in 2025 - Denver developing a policy now - Boulder exploring the same in comp plan update + more 5 recent surveys: - Lakewood and COS: ~2:1 - Boulder: 70-80% for 3-8 units - Denver: 58:31 for 6 units | 62% for du/triplex
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Build homes in existing communities with roads, schools, and servicesāor keep paving over farmland and open space? DOLAās Strategic Growth Report makes a compelling case for infill and compact growth. Read our takeaways:
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Colorado at a crossroads: Why smart growth beats sprawl
We must be more strategic about the kinds of housing we choose to build and where we choose to build it.
https://housingforwardco.org/colorado-at-a-crossroads-why-smart-growth-beats-sprawl/
4 months ago
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Colorado is short 106,000 homes and will add 1.5M people by 2050. The question isnāt whether we growāitās how. DOLAās new report shows smart growth and infill beat sprawl on costs, climate, and resilience. Read our full analysis:
housingforwardco.org/colorado-at-...
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Colorado at a crossroads: Why smart growth beats sprawl
We must be more strategic about the kinds of housing we choose to build and where we choose to build it.
https://housingforwardco.org/colorado-at-a-crossroads-why-smart-growth-beats-sprawl/
4 months ago
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Sprawl is more than cookie cutter subdivisions. It drives up housing, energy, and infrastructure costs, emissions, and risk. A new DOLA report compares ābusiness as usualā to smart growth, and the results arenāt even close. We break it down in our latest blog:
housingforwardco.org/colorado-at-...
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Colorado at a crossroads: Why smart growth beats sprawl
We must be more strategic about the kinds of housing we choose to build and where we choose to build it.
https://housingforwardco.org/colorado-at-a-crossroads-why-smart-growth-beats-sprawl
4 months ago
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When you eliminate parking mandates, beautiful patios start sprouting up. A new restaurant is coming to downtown Fort Collins, and theyāre replacing the parking lot with outdoor seating!
www.coloradoan.com/story/money/...
4 months ago
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"Builders have been constructing bigger and bigger homes during the past half-century. Homes with four or more bedrooms made up nearly half of all new construction in 2022, according to Census Bureau data. That compares with 1 in 5 in the 1970s." How starter homes are disappearing:
wapo.st/4prLnEm
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https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2026/01/05/starter-home-disappearance/?pwapi_token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJyZWFzb24iOiJnaWZ0IiwibmJmIjoxNzY3NTg5MjAwLCJpc3MiOiJzdWJzY3JpcHRpb25zIiwiZXhwIjoxNzY4OTcxNTk5LCJpYXQiOjE3Njc1ODkyMDAsImp0aSI6IjJkM2M4MmQwLTY5YWEtNDY5MC05MmQ2LWI5MmM4NzMwNzU0NSIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lndhc2hpbmd0b25wb3N0LmNvbS9idXNpbmVzcy8yMDI2LzAxLzA1L3N0YXJ0ZXItaG9tZS1kaXNhcHBlYXJhbmNlLyJ9.w2itnVExMbJLgPgMAuBt96czKChGr31Mdy52VoRJBUU
4 months ago
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This new study found that 18% of urban and suburban US car owners express a definite interest in living car-free, and an additional 40% are open to the idea -- in addition to the 10% of urban and suburban US residents already living without a car!
humantransit.org/2025/12/many...
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Many Americans Are Open to Car-Free Living ā Human Transit
Are Americans a ācar cultureā or are they ācar dependentā?Ā Do they drive because they love driving, or are they in an unhealthy relationship with a substance they would be happy to do without?Ā ā¦
https://humantransit.org/2025/12/many-americans-are-open-to-car-free-living.html
4 months ago
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Learn how CO's new single-stair reform is enabling an empty parking lot in Denver to become a beautiful apartment building:
kgarch.com/reviving-a-f...
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Reviving a Forgotten Lot: Single-Stair Housing Prototype in Denverās Baker Neighborhood
As cities across Colorado amend local building codes to permit five-story multifamily residential buildings served by a single exit stair, this once forgotten lot has a new life.
https://kgarch.com/reviving-a-forgotten-lot-single-stair-housing-prototype-in-denvers-baker-neighborhood
4 months ago
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Wildfire risk, intensified by climate change and sprawling development patterns, is driving up home insurance costs in Colorado -- where costs are the 4th highest in the country. Smart growth can help reduce this risk and lower costs!
www.denver7.com/news/local-n...
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Rising homeowners insurance costs add new pressure to Colorado housing market
Rising homeowners insurance costs are becoming a new challenge for Colorado homeowners and buyers, adding pressure to an already-expensive housing market.
https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/rising-homeowners-insurance-costs-add-new-pressure-to-colorado-housing-market
4 months ago
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We love seeing Prop 123 funds in action! Kudos to Colorado Springs for moving fast on this affordable housing project, helping prevent homelessness via a climate-friendly housing type:
www.coloradopolitics.com/2025/12/22/a...
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Affordable housing south of downtown to receive $12.8 million from Proposition 123
A planned affordable apartment building at the south end of downtown Colorado Springs was one of the major recipients of the stateās affordable housing funds awarded last week. The Office of Economicā¦
https://www.coloradopolitics.com/2025/12/22/affordable-housing-south-of-downtown-to-receive-12-8-million-from-proposition-123/
4 months ago
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