The HBA Advocate Newsletter | March 5, 2024
In this edition:
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Construction Litigation Reform Bill Introduced in the Colorado General Assembly Senate Bill 24-106, the industry-led proposal designed to accelerate condo development and other badly needed multi-family housing across the state, will be heard before the Senate Local Government and Housing Committee today at 2 o’clock. Last month, Sen. Rachel Zenzinger and Rep. Shannon Bird introduced the bill, hope to reform construction liability litigation that has severely restricted multifamily and affordable housing across the Colorado over the past two decades. SB24-106 would allow the construction of this needed inventory and create more opportunities for Coloradans to build wealth through homeownership by:
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. Metro Denver HBA’s CEO Ted Leighty is on the alliance’s executive committee. SB24-106 includes key provisions such as a Right-to-Remedy, Informed Consent and Negligence Per Se - policy changes that will go a long way toward improving the development climate so we can once again build condos to diversify our housing stock and improve affordability throughout Colorado. |
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Larimer County to Consider City of Thornton's 1041 Water Pipeline Permit Application On November 20, 2023, the City of Thornton formally submitted a new application asking Larimer County to approve a permit to build a buried water pipeline for transporting water to Thornton. The Thornton Water Project will deliver an average of 14,000 acre-feet of high-quality water that Thornton owns in the Water Supply and Storage Company System (WSSC) to its residents. This project is critical to ensure water supply reliability and drought resiliency; provide drinking water that is protective of public health, safety and welfare; support the availability of housing; and meet municipal water demands in the city through 2065. The City of Thornton has just confirmed the following dates have been set for the public hearings in Larimer County for consideration of their 1041 Permit application:
This project is critical to ensuring our industry’s ability to meet the long-term housing needs of Colorado’s growing population for decades to come. The HBA of Metro Denver will be actively participating in the hearing process, and we are encouraging our active builders and developers in Thornton to do the same. If you are interested in making your voice heard on this important issue, please reach out to Morgan Cullen at mcullen@hbadenver.com for more information. |
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| 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, inform potential strategies that could be pursued regionally and locally to better meet those needs, and 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:
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 your company is interested in participating, please reach out to Morgan Cullen for more details at mcullen@hbadenver.com. |
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HBA of Metro Denver Issue Tracker |
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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. |
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Thank you to HBA's 2024 Organizational Partner: |
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Corporate Partners: |
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Contact Connie Dahl for more info on becoming an HBA Sponsor, or visit hbadenver.com/sponsorships for more information! |