“Partnering with the legislature, we’re truly beginning to chip away at the high cost of housing by breaking down barriers,” Gov. Jared Polis said at a bill signing ceremony Wednesday.
Gov. Jared Polis, center, signs House Bill 1001 into law in the governor’s office at the Colorado State Capitol on Wednesday, March 26, 2026. The new law is aimed at making it easier for entities like nonprofits and school districts to build housing on land they own.
were the first measures introduced in their respective chambers this legislative session — a point Polis emphasized as showing state government’s HB-1001, dubbed the HOME Act — for Housing Opportunities Made Easier — gives nonprofits and certain government agencies, such as the Regional Transportation District in metro Denver and school districts, the ability to build housing on their property. SB-1 allows counties to spend their property tax revenue on local housing authorities and workforce housing and to sell property to build affordable housing. “This should also viewed as additive to other steps that we have taken,” Polis said ahead of signing the bills. “Partnering with the legislature, we’re truly beginning to chip away at the high cost of housing by breaking down barriers, allowing housing to be built, to unlock affordability and opportunity.” Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, a Fort Collins Democrat and lead sponsor on both bills, said HB-1001 in particular was about finding ways to build affordable housing “faster and cheaper” than existing processes. The measures also come down to “the fabric of our communities,” he said. “What are we saying as a state when people cannot afford to teach and live in the same district? When folks can’t afford to work at a grocery store and also find housing in a school district that works for their kids?” Boesenecker said. “This is about a basic, I think, agreement of who we are as a state and that our state is open for all, welcome for all, and that we will continue today to take bold steps forward in terms of how are we able to house everybody.”HB-1001, however, faced opposition from several local governments and the Colorado Municipal League, which represents many cities and towns. Kevin Bommer, the executive director of the league, said the two measures stood in contrast. He and member municipalities agree that the state has an affordable housing crisis; SB-1 gives cities options to address it, while HB-1001 forces state mandates that bypass local planning, Bommer said. People already choose local leadership to make local decisions — they don’t need statewide lawmakers stepping in, he argued. As Lakewood sends out ballots, backers of rezoning measures outraise pro-repeal groups in special electionLawmakers take on Big Data, housing bills, ICE liability in the Colorado legislature this week “Our state government can’t decide what it wants to be,” Bommer said. “It wants to be a helper when there’s something it likes, and it wants to be an opponent of local government when there’s something it doesn’t like.”measures, Bommer said he “looks forward to working with the next administration to reset the state and local partnership and work to that end.” Polis is in his last year as governor. Polis and other supporters of the measures countered that HB-1001 will bring more local entities into the fold to find solutions to local housing. But, they noted, these laws won’t solve the problems on their own. “There is no silver bullet for solving problem, but there are many silver BBs,” Sen. Jeff Bridges, a Greenwood Village Democrat and sponsor of SB-1, said. “And today’s bills are two of those BBs.”Beloved Denver outdoor gear store Wilderness Exchange closing its doorsThe 2026 Red Rocks season blasts off this week. Here's your guide to parking, changes, and more.Littleton decides on location of Front Range Passenger Rail stop as economic potential takes shapeDenver Water enacts Stage 1 drought restrictions for the first time since 2013
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Patrick Mahomes surprises pumped Travis Kelce as tight end signs Chiefs contract: 'Home sweet home'In a team-produced video published by the Chiefs, Mahomes made an appearance at the team facility via a FaceTime call as Kelce was signing the new contract.
Read more »
Jared McCain scores 13 points in return to Philly as Thunder beat the Sixers, 123-103VJ Edgecombe scored 35 points for the 76ers, who played without Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Paul George, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Quentin Grimes.
Read more »
Why the 76ers' Jared McCain Trade Isn't As Bad As It LooksJared McCain is the one who got away in another lost season for the 76ers.
Read more »
Denon expands its multi-room speaker lineup with the Home 200, Home 400 and Home 600Find the latest technology news and expert tech product reviews. Learn about the latest gadgets and consumer tech products for entertainment, gaming, lifestyle and more.
Read more »
The Clock is ticking on the Sixers to prove themselves right on Jared McCainSix weeks after the Sixers infuriated their fanbase by trading McCain to the defending champs for a platter of rest stop quality draft picks, the dynamic guard validated everyone's feelings.
Read more »
Former Sixer Jared McCain receives cheers as he leaves the court in Philly returnundefined
Read more »