Bill to Unlock Local Governments’ Ability to Address Housing Needs Passes Committee

SB26-001 would make funds available for workforce and affordable housing

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Local Government and Housing Committee approved bipartisan legislation to give local governments additional flexibility to address housing shortages. 

SB26-001, sponsored by Senators Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, would allow counties to use existing resources to support workforce and affordable housing, removing outdated restrictions that limit their ability to respond to local housing needs.

“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 Roberts. “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 Bridges. “This bill removes barriers for counties and municipalities to invest in affordable and workforce housing and accelerates development. It’s a commonsense approach that gets out of the way and lets local communities address housing shortages.”

The bill would also allow local governments to sell, lease, or acquire property for the purpose of workforce or affordable housing and create a tax exemption for construction materials used for workforce housing projects. Additionally, SB26-001 would update Colorado’s Middle-Income Housing Tax Credit to help projects secure financing by allowing the credits to be transferred to individuals, firms, or corporations that do not own a project interest. 

SB26-001 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.