In an effort to tackle Colorado’s rising housing costs, lawmakers proposed legislation that would include grants, revolving loans and incentive programs using $400 million in housing relief in American Recovery Plan Act funds.
“Houses cost too much in Colorado, and we need to be bold and do even more to make Colorado more liveable. This package will help bring about a future with more housing that people can actually afford to buy or rent, reduce the cost of first-time homeownership and help Coloradans save money with shorter commute to work or school,” Gov. Polis said.
“More housing near where jobs are will help lower costs, reduce traffic and pollution, improve access to housing for hardworking people, teachers, parents and individuals while helping our entire economy,” he added.
Polis wasn't the only lawmaker to advocate for housing closer to where people work.
“To support our growing economy, we need more middle-income workforce housing so Coloradans can live in the same communities where they work,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “
Not only are lawmakers looking at creating housing near job sites, but they hope the introduced legislation also will boost homeownership in the state.
According to Snyder, the bill introduces $25 million to further program efforts to save Coloradans money by building workforce housing.
Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Federal Heights said the new legislation will "boost construction of homes that can be built efficiently while meeting our state’s ever-increasing demand for affordable housing. These modular and manufactured homes are innovative, affordable and will save hardworking Coloradans money on housing while boosting homeownership in our state.”
“Families are feeling squeezed as housing prices continue to skyrocket across our state, leaving far too many without housing options they can afford,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village added. “This package of bills represents an historic investment to cut costs and make Colorado a more affordable place to live, work and raise a family.”
Lawmakers were not the only ones to weigh in on the range of housing needs in the state, community leaders too recognize the dire need to address the growing concerns for affordable housing.
“The lack of affordable housing across Colorado has reached crisis levels. The recommendations of the Affordable Housing Task Force, and the resulting legislation and funding will create new partnerships and collaboration between the State and Counties. The new housing developments which are built as a result will have a truly transformative impact in the lives of Coloradans,” said Tamara Pogue, Summit County Commissioner who spoke at the press conference.
