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The HBA Advocate Newsletter | February 6, 2024

By Paige Roemmich | February 7, 2024 | Comments Off on The HBA Advocate Newsletter | February 6, 2024
 

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February 6, 2024

In this edition:

  • Construction Litigation Reform Bill introduced at state Capitol:
    • Legislation will focus on reducing insurance costs for condo projects, providing ways to resolve disputes faster, and a Right-to-Remedy.
    • Homeownership Opportunity Alliance - which includes Metro Denver and state HBAs - will help lead efforts to pass legislation.
  • DRCOG launches Regional Housing Needs Assessment:
    • DRCOG and HBA holding workshop on March 28 to gather input from residential construction industry. HBA builders and developers should contact Morgan Cullen at mcullen@hbadenver.com to participate.
Construction Litigation Reform Bill Introduced in the Colorado General Assembly
Yesterday, Sen. Rachel Zenzinger and Rep. Shannon Bird introduced legislation aimed at reforming construction liability litigation in Colorado that has severely restricted multifamily and affordable housing across the state over the past two decades. SB 24-106 will allow for the construction of this needed inventory and create more opportunities for Coloradans to build wealth through homeownership, by:

  • Lessoning insurance costs by reducing the magnitude and frequency of claims;
  • Providing other means to resolve disputes faster for homeowners

Since 2001, there have been several amendments to the Construction Defect Action Reform Act, resulting in frivolous lawsuits and contractor’s liability insurance spiking since insurers have left the market. Development of condominiums - one of the most affordable housing options - has virtually halted, and the cost of litigation has been passed onto Colorado homeowners.

The Homeownership Opportunity Alliance - a coalition that includes the Metro Denver and state HBAs, real estate and construction associations, business organizations and chambers, and civic groups like the Metro Mayors Caucus - will be working to pass this legislation. HBA of Metro Denver's CEO Ted Leighty is on the alliance’s executive committee.

SB 24-106 includes key provisions such as a Right-to-Remedy, Informed Consent and Negligence Per Se that will go a long way toward diversifying our housing stock and improving affordability throughout Colorado.
DRCOG Conducting a Regional Housing Needs Assessment
The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) is undertaking a Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) to better understand current and future housing needs in the region, to inform potential strategies that could be pursued regionally and locally to better meet those needs, and to define DRCOG’s role in the housing conversation.

The project team has gathered a baseline understanding for the total number of housing units needed to meet anticipated growth and fill current gaps, as well as how these needs are distributed across different income brackets. At this stage in the project, DRCOG is hoping to gain insight on the following:

  • Key challenges and barriers across the region that limit housing production, cost, choice, location, etc.;
  • Potential opportunities and strategies that could be implemented to overcome those barriers and provide affordable housing; and
  • Balance and relationships between local and regional actions, initiatives, and strategies; and opportunities for collective action and partnership.

Throughout this process, DRCOG’s project team will convene multiple stakeholder groups representing an array of interests and perspectives, to provide a better understanding of current conditions, challenges and opportunities. DRCOG and the HBA will be holding a stakeholder workshop on March 28 to gather input from the residential construction industry and would appreciate the input from the HBA’s builder and developer members.

If you company is interested in participating, please reach out to Morgan Cullen for more details 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.
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HBA is looking for Members to Participate in Advocacy, Regulatory and Technical Committees in 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 2024 Organizational Partner:

Corporate Partners:
 

Contact Connie Dahl for more info on becoming an HBA Sponsor, or visit hbadenver.com/sponsorships for more information!
Posted in Advocacy, Industry Articles
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