The HBA Advocate Newsletter | November 5, 2025
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November 5, 2025 |
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In this edition:
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MHC Endorsed Candidates Win Big in Commerce City - Mixed Results in Other Municipalities |
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Last night’s municipal elections across metro Denver delivered mixed results for the residential construction industry and our shared efforts to meet Colorado’s growing housing needs. The Metro Housing Coalition (MHC) Board worked diligently throughout this election cycle to support pro-housing candidates in 13 different municipalities - ultimately endorsing 45 candidates in total. Several communities received focused attention and additional resources, including Aurora, Broomfield, Lakewood, Littleton, Thornton and Westminster. However, Commerce City remained the Coalition’s top priority this year, given the significant challenges builders have faced with the current City Council and the pressing need to address the city’s housing deficit. In Commerce City, MHC-endorsed candidates performed exceptionally well, sweeping all four of their races. In Ward I, Jose Guardiola secured victory in a three-way race with over 44% of the vote. In Ward III, Joanna Sandoval unseated incumbent Renee Chacon, earning 42% of the vote. Meanwhile, in the citywide At-Large race, Stefanie Trujillo and Lori Young prevailed in a competitive seven-way contest, capturing 22% and 20% of the vote, respectively. These results represent a major shift for Commerce City, where previous councils had been a significant obstacle to new housing opportunities. With these four additions, the incoming Council will now hold a pro-housing majority - a critical step toward unlocking new growth, investment, and community amenities that residents have long been demanding. In Aurora, MHC-endorsed candidates saw less favorable outcomes. Conservative incumbents Danielle Jurinsky, Amsalu Kassaw, and Steve Sundberg all appear to have lost their reelection bids, along with challengers Stephen Elkins and Marsha Berzins. This outcome will reshape the political landscape in Aurora, likely requiring greater collaboration across ideological lines if the city hopes to advance its priorities in the years ahead. The Coalition congratulates Rob Andrews, a pro-housing advocate and MHC-endorsed candidate, on his victory as the top vote-getter in Aurora’s at-large race. We look forward to working with him. Across the remaining municipalities where MHC made endorsements, results were broadly mixed but included a number of encouraging wins for housing supporters. Overall, 29 of the 45 MHC-endorsed candidates - 64% - were elected or re-elected, strengthening the Coalition’s ability to advance policies that promote housing affordability and responsible growth across the Front Range. Regardless of outcome, the HBA remains committed to working with all newly elected and returning officials who share our goal of fostering a pro-business, pro-housing environment that enhances both our industry and the quality of life for residents throughout the Denver metro area. 2025 Election Outcomes of all MHC Endorsed Municipal Candidates |
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Arvada Aurora Brighton Broomfield Castle Pines Centennial |
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Commerce City Lakewood Littleton Longmont Thornton Westminster Wheat Ridge |
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Front Range Communities Reconsider Fire Sprinkler Mandates Amid Rising Housing Costs |
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As housing affordability continues to challenge communities across the Front Range, both Commerce City and the Town of Erie are revisiting their local fire sprinkler mandates for new residential construction. The potential repeals come as part of a broader effort to ease regulatory costs on builders and homebuyers amid escalating impact fees, tap fees, and construction expenses. Commerce City’s Council will consider a repeal of its residential sprinkler requirement on second reading at its November 17 meeting, following a first reading hearing in late October. Similarly, the Town of Erie is set to review its fire sprinkler mandate again, after an initial hearing on October 28. The cost of installing residential sprinkler systems has become a significant point of contention. Builders estimate that installation costs average $13,500 per home, with total homeowner costs reaching approximately $16,000 once design, permitting, and inspection costs are factored in. In both communities, these expenses add to an already growing list of local fees and mandates. Commerce City, for instance, has implemented fee increases totaling more than $20,000 per home since 2023 - a 400% increase - while Erie recently approved a $20,397 increase in its water tap and raw water dedication fees. Local leaders and industry advocates argue that removing the sprinkler mandates could help offset these costs and improve affordability for first-time buyers. The HBA of Metro Denver emphasized that most Front Range jurisdictions have already amended similar sprinkler requirements out of their codes. With both communities seeing declines in new residential permits - Erie reporting a 45% drop from last year - industry leaders warn that rising costs are pricing thousands of Coloradans out of the market. The upcoming council hearings in Commerce City and Erie will offer critical opportunities for builders and residents to voice their perspectives as local governments weigh public safety against the urgent need for attainable housing. Additionally, as many municipalities in our jurisdiction begin adopting the 2024 International Residential Code, the question of whether to mandate fire sprinklers in new residential construction has become a recurring issue that will likely remain a point of debate throughout the code update process. The HBA has been actively voicing concerns about the significant cost implications for housing affordability and emphasizing that Colorado’s existing building codes already provide strong fire-safety standards. We will continue to monitor and engage in these discussions wherever sprinkler mandates are being considered, including in Adams County, Arvada, Bennett, Brighton, Louisville, and Wheat Ridge. |
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Jeff Handlin Named 2025 HBA Housing Advocate of the Year |
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At the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver’s annual celebration, longtime HBA member and industry leader Jeff Handlin was named the association’s 2025 Housing Advocate of the Year in recognition of his many years of service to the HBA and the homebuilding industry. Before receiving his award, HBA CEO Ted Leighty shared remarks honoring Jeff’s leadership, expertise, mentorship, and tireless commitment to housing advocacy. “For more than two decades, Jeff has been a tireless champion for housing, community development, and education within our industry,” Leighty said. “Whether moderating panels, sharing his expertise at the HBA Housing Summit, or mentoring future industry leaders at the University of Denver, Jeff’s thoughtful leadership and collaborative spirit have made him one of our most respected and effective advocates. His insight has strengthened our policy discussions, elevated our events, and inspired the next generation of homebuilding professionals. The HBA of Metro Denver is proud to recognize Jeff for his continued service and impact on our association and the communities we serve.” Handlin is the founder and president of Oread Capital & Development, which he established in 2011 after serving in key executive roles at several nationally recognized homebuilding and real estate development companies, including Starwood Land Ventures, M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. (parent company of Richmond American Homes), and Taylor Woodrow (now Taylor Morrison). In addition to his leadership in the private sector, he serves as an adjunct professor at the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver, where he continues to support and guide students participating in the NAHB Student Competition at the International Builders’ Show. Through his professional achievements, mentorship, and unwavering advocacy, Jeff embodies the values and vision of the HBA of Metro Denver - championing housing opportunity, collaboration, and industry excellence throughout Colorado. |
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HBA Hosts Xcel Energy Lunch and Learn on Electrification |
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The HBA’s Regulated Utilities Committee hosted a successful Lunch & Learn with Xcel Energy on November 5, drawing 40+ registered attendees from across the homebuilding industry. The meeting brought together builders, developers, and Xcel Energy representatives for an in-depth discussion on electrification in residential construction. Xcel Energy provided an overview of its short- and long-term electrification plans, along with the rebates and incentives available to builders and developers pursuing all-electric construction. Attendees engaged in a productive dialogue about the cost, infrastructure, and implementation challenges associated with increased electrification, as well as opportunities for collaboration. The HBA thanks Xcel Energy for its partnership and continued engagement with the industry. |
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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 2026 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 2025 Organizational Partners: |
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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! |