Colorado: Governor Polis Signs Laws Breaking Down Barriers to New Homes Coloradans Can Afford

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DENVER - Today, Governor Polis built on Colorado's historic work to break down barriers to new homes Coloradans can afford, signing two bills into law. Governor Polis signed HB26-1001 - Housing Developments on Qualifying Properties, sponsored by Representatives Andrew Boesenecker and Javier Mabrey, and Senators Tony Exum and Julie Gonzales, which is also known as the HOME Act.

"Today we took another historic step towards a more affordable and liveable Colorado. By allowing non-profits, transportation districts, schools, housing authorities and others to build housing on underutilized and unused land, we are breaking down barriers that block partners who want to be part of the housing solution. This bill allows underutilized land to be turned into homes people can afford, in communities we want to live in. I thank the sponsors for their dedication to tackling our housing challenges and for getting this bill to my desk," said Governor Polis.

In December, Governor Polis, Rep Boesenecker and other legislators, spoke about the HOME Act in Fort Collins and why it was an important step forward to increase housing opportunities in Colorado. Governor Polis called for the legislature to open the door to more housing on underutilized land in his 2026 State of the State address. "Too many families in Colorado Springs are afraid of being priced out of the place they call home," said Senator Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs. "If we're serious about solving the housing crisis in Colorado, we need to open up every available option to get our neighbors secure and affordable housing. The HOME Act will help our communities build the housing that is so desperately needed in our state."

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"Access to affordable and secure housing is the reason I am able to serve my community at all," said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. "We have a housing crisis in this state, and Coloradans who work multiple jobs to make ends meet still can't afford to buy a home and plant roots in their communities. This bill will allow community organizations more flexibility to give their neighbors that gift of stable, affordable housing."

"These laws are some of many breakthrough efforts that Colorado Democrats have passed this year, and in recent legislative sessions, to save Coloradans money on housing," said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB26-1001 and SB26-001. "The HOME Act and SB26-001 remove barriers to getting affordable housing built and create more flexibility for local governments and communities to use existing tools to be responsive to the housing needs of their communities. We're working to create housing options that work for all Coloradans' budgets. These new laws will help deliver housing that hardworking people can afford."

"Colorado Democrats are making it easier to build more housing now to reduce housing costs for Coloradans," said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of HB26-1001. "In Denver, we're already seeing rents drop significantly due to an increase in the housing supply. Our new law gives communities throughout Colorado another tool to get affordable housing projects approved and built to deliver more affordable housing."

"At Eagle County School District, we've seen firsthand the many ways building needed housing on available land can help our district, hardworking teachers, and community. We are excited to see the HOME Act open up opportunities like this across the state. Today's action could help the hardworking teachers and staff members of our district save up to $1,500 a month on rent, supporting the educators and staff," said Eagle County School District Superintendent Philip Qualman.

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Governor Polis also signed SB26-001 - Workforce Housing & Housing Tax Credit, sponsored by Senators Dylan Roberts and Jeff Bridges, and Representatives Chris Richardson and Andrew Boesenecker.

"Ensuring Coloradans can live where we work is an important part of making Colorado more affordable and liveable. Today we are taking action to further partner with local governments to expand housing opportunities for teachers, nurses, firefighters, and workers throughout our communities. I appreciate the hard work of the sponsors in bringing this bill forward," said Governor Jared Polis.

"I'm proud that the first bill introduced in the Senate this year is one to unlock local governments' ability to meet their own housing needs," said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. "This bill will cut red tape and give counties, municipalities, and housing authorities more tools to help them build and maintain housing for more working families and individuals. This means more opportunities for Coloradans to stay in their communities and stable housing for the workers who keep our rural and mountain towns running."

"Local governments know their housing needs, and the state shouldn't artificially limit the tools they can use to ensure their residents have a place they can afford to live," said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. "This bill removes barriers for counties and municipalities to invest in affordable and workforce housing and accelerates development. It's a commonsense approach that lets local communities address their housing shortages."

"This is a good bill that doesn't increase taxes or levy new fees but instead provides flexibility to local governments to address housing issues in a manner that fits the priorities of the citizens they serve," said Representative Chris Richardson, a sponsor of SB26-001.

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