Colorado Gov. Jared Polis Signs Executive Order to Ensure Housing Laws Compliance

Strategic Insights -

Colorado Governor Jared Polis has signed an executive order that directs local governments to comply with certain state housing laws as a condition of receiving state grant funding. The order aims to ensure that local governments are prioritizing state efforts to increase housing stock, affordability, and sustainability. Polis estimated that over $100 million in state funding will be subject to the order.

The executive order highlights seven state laws passed in the last two years that aim to increase housing options across the state. These laws include prohibiting residential occupancy limits, requiring higher-density housing near transit stops, and legalizing the construction of accessory dwelling units. Polis wants local governments to be able to go through the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to help them achieve compliance with new state housing laws.

While many local governments have supported housing policies approved by the Colorado Legislature in recent years, others have opposed the policies and indicated concerns about compliance. The executive order requires state agencies to submit a list within 30 days of potential competitive grants and other discretionary funding sources that could be subject to the requirements of the order.

Key Takeaways:

  • The executive order aims to ensure that local governments comply with certain state housing laws as a condition of receiving state grant funding.
  • The order will apply to over $100 million in state funding.
  • The order highlights seven state laws passed in the last two years that aim to increase housing options across the state.
  • The laws covered by the executive order include prohibiting residential occupancy limits, requiring higher-density housing near transit stops, and legalizing the construction of accessory dwelling units.
  • The order requires state agencies to submit a list within 30 days of potential competitive grants and other discretionary funding sources that could be subject to the requirements of the order.
  • The executive order will apply to funding awarded after October 6.

Statistics:

  • $100 million: Estimated state funding subject to the executive order.
  • 7: Number of state laws passed in the last two years that aim to increase housing options across the state.
  • 30 days: Deadline for state agencies to submit a list of potential competitive grants and other discretionary funding sources that could be subject to the requirements of the order.
  • October 6: Date after which the executive order will apply to funding awarded.

Sources:

  • Colorado Newsline: "Polis signs executive order prioritizing state housing laws for grant funding"
  • Google Drive: "Executive Order on State Grant Funding and Housing Laws"
  • Colorado Legislature: "HB25-1273: Multifamily Building Code"
  • Colorado Department of Local Affairs: "DOLA to help local governments comply with new state housing laws"
  • Pagosa Daily Post: "Colorado legislators champion planning for affordable housing in SB24-174"