The HBA Advocate Newsletter | December 6, 2022

By Paige Roemmich | December 7, 2022 |

December 6, 2022

2022 HBA Advocacy Efforts Had $130 Million Impact on Housing Policy

The HBA of Metro Denver Advocacy team has worked tirelessly to make sure developers, builders and associate members have the most favorable business environment possible to bring new homes to market. HBA staff and our members have collectively combatted ballot questions, detrimental changes to metro districts, construction tax proposals, inclusionary zoning ordinances, fee increases and many other issues that directly impact our industry?s ability to bring much needed attainable housing opportunities to Colorado residents. While much of our collective efforts cannot be quantified, we have achieved the following tangible results that will help make the essential work of building homes easier and more affordable.

Quantifiable savings to our builders and industry over the past 12 months include:

Local Pro-Housing Candidates Enjoyed Election Night Success

While election night witnessed its share of disappointments for the residential construction industry in general, the good news is that our Metro Housing Coalition-endorsed candidates faired very well, especially in key high growth areas where support for our industry will be imperative during the expected period of economic uncertainty. In Castle Rock and Parker, all of our MHC-endorsed candidates appear to have been elected or re-elected, which is great news given the anti-growth sentiment percolating in those areas of Douglas County. Due to our support, we were able to re-elect Council Member Kevin Bracken and elect Max Brooks in Castle Rock. In Parker, it appears we scored a trifecta by helping re-elect Joshua Rivero and Anne Barrington and electing Brandi Wilks, who runs a family-owned real estate company.

Both MHC-endorsed candidates in Superior (Neal Shah and Jenn Kaaoush) were the top two finishers in the at-large race that had a total of four seats up for grabs. And MHC-endorsed commissioners Abe Laydon (Douglas), Emma Pinter (Adams), Steve O'Dorisio (Adams) and Leslie Dahlkemper (Jefferson) easily won their re-election bids.

The only place where our preferred candidates struggled was Arapahoe County, where MHC-endorsed candidates Bob Roth and Mark Gotto lost their races for county commissioner by wide margins. The partisan divide has increased steadily in Arapahoe County in recent years, with Democrats outnumbering Republicans by nearly 47,000 registered voters. Also, an increasing pool of Unaffiliated voters in Arapahoe County appear to be employing more and more influence on elections there as well.

In all, it was a great night for the Metro Housing Coalition and the endorsed candidates who will undoubtedly have a positive impact on our industry for years to come.

Commerce City Council to Impose Moratorium on Metro Districts

Yesterday evening, the Commerce City Council introduced and approved a 12-month moratorium on the use of metropolitan districts for residential development within the municipality on a 5-4 vote. Metro districts in Colorado are an important financing tool that provide a cost-effective way to fund critical infrastructure within new communities in a manner that keeps home prices attainable for aspiring homeowners.

The HBA of Metro Denver has been working diligently with the City Council, city manager and other municipal staff to update the City's model service plan governing metro districts to alleviate some Council's concerns and still maintain the viability of this important financing tool going forward. Unfortunately, due to the recent resignation and replacement of Council member Meghan Grimes, the City Council at the direction of Mayor Huseman decided to pursue a citywide ban. While it appears that the mayor has the votes necessary to impose a new moratorium, it is important that our industry continue to voice our concerns over this irresponsible proposal. A final second reading vote has been tentatively scheduled for December 19, and the HBA will be testifying in opposition to the ordinance. HBA members are highly encouraged to testify at the hearing or remotely to share concerns on how this will negatively impact attainable housing and future development in Commerce City. For more information about how you can get involved, please email Morgan Cullen at mcullen@hbadenver.com

HBA of Metro Denver Issue Tracker
Questions on what is happening in a specific city or county? The HBA is regularly monitoring the council and board activities in every political subdivision in the metro Denver area. Our Issue Tracker offers a great resource to learn about the issues being deliberated with links to agendas, packets and ordinances. The HBA of Metro Denver HBA Issue Tracker is available to all members here.

HBA is looking for Members to Participate in Advocacy, Regulatory and Technical Committees in 2023

As a volunteer-driven organization, the HBA's Jobsite Safety Committee, Permitting Committee, Regulated Utilities Committee and Stormwater Management Committee help guide the HBA's events and activities throughout the year. Consider joining one - or more - if you want to build strong, long-lasting relationships and make a difference to your fellow HBA members, while sharpening your leadership skills. Please visit the HBA website for more information or reach out to Morgan Cullen if you are ready to participate.