The HBA Advocate Newsletter | October 3, 2023

October 3, 2023

MHC Political Forum Highlights Construction Litigation Reform

On September 21, the Metro Housing Coalition held its annual Political Forum for industry leaders and elected officials across our jurisdiction. The event doubles as a fundraising opportunity to support pro-industry candidates across the metro area and to bring awareness to public-policy challenges that impact the future of Colorado homebuilding. This year, the event tackled the persistent challenges of construction litigation and the systemic impact it has on housing attainability and the built environment across our region. Our esteemed panel consisted of Kevin Walsh, Esq., of Brownstein, Hyatt Farber & Schreck, LLP; Carl Koelbel, CEO of Koelbel & Co.; and Ted Leighty, CEO of the Homebuilders Association of Metro Denver and the Colorado Association of Homebuilders. The session was moderated by Jeff McGovern, Senior Vice President of New Home Company. In all, more than 150 people participated in the event, including nearly three dozen municipal, county and state elected officials. The Metro Housing Coalition would like to thank everyone involved in making the event possible again this year.

MHC Housing Coalition Offers Endorsements for 2023 Municipal Candidates
This November, municipalities across metro Denver will be holding elections with far reaching implications for the residential construction industry and our ability to meet the housing needs of Colorado residents. With attainable housing in metro Denver consistently ranked as one of this year’s most critical issues, the Metro Housing Coalition has made a concerted effort to elect more pro-housing candidates up and down the ballot. Issues like inclusionary zoning, net zero energy, rent control, metro districts, permitting delays and construction defects have been top of mind for elected officials and policymakers over the past couple years, and all will have a huge impact on residential construction for many years to come - making this year’s election extremely important for our industry.

To that end, The MHC Board just completed its outreach campaign for the fall election cycle. In total, 107 questionnaires were sent to candidates in 12 different municipalities. 47 follow-up candidate interviews were conducted, and 36 candidates ultimately received the MHC’s endorsement. While this process can feel a bit arduous, it is invaluable for the HBA to get to know the new and returning elected officials who will be making important decisions that will significantly impact our industry for years to come. We appreciate all of the MHC board members who took time out of their busy schedules to participate in this important process.

Below, are the 2023 Municipal Candidates that Received the MHC's Endorsement:

Arvada
John Marriott, Mayor
Michael Griffith, City Council District 2
Bob Loveridge, City Council At-Large

Aurora
Mike Coffman, Mayor
Stephanie Hancock, City Council Ward 4
Angela Lawson, City Council Ward 5
Francoise Bergan, City Council Ward 6
Curtis Gardner, City Council At-Large
Jono Scott, City Council At-Large

Brighton
Tom Green, Mayor

Broomfield
Guyleen Castriotta, Mayor
Kenny Nguyen, City Council Ward 1
Peter Crouse, City Council Ward 3
Laurie Anderson, City Council Ward 4

Castle Pines
Deborah Mulvey, City Council District 1

Centennial
Amy Tharp, City Council District 1
Christine Sweetland, City Council District 2
Richard Holt, City Council District 3
Donald Sheehan, City Council District 4

Commerce City
Rene Bullock, Mayor
Rocky Teter, City Council Ward 2
Rich Trujillo, City Council Ward 3
David Diop, City Council Ward 4
Craig Hurst, City Council At-Large
Charles Dukes, City Council At-Large

Littleton
Christopher Campbell, City Council At-Large

Longmont
Harrison Earl, City Council Ward 1
Nia Wassink, City Council Ward 1
Gary Hodges, City Council Ward 3

Thornton
Jan Kulmann, Mayor
Eric Garcia, City Council Ward 1
Angie Bedolla, City Council Ward 2
David Acunto, City Council Ward 3
Nicole Matkowsky, City Council Ward 4

Westminster
Richard Seymour, City Council At-Large
Timothy Pegg, City Council At-Large
Claire Carmelia, City Council At-Large
Amber Holt, City Council At-Large
Jeff Jones, City Council At-Large

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 and 2024

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.

Thank you to HBA's 2023 Organizational Partners:

Corporate Partners:

Contact Connie Dahl for more info on becoming an HBA Sponsor!