The Advocate Newsletter | July 8, 2026

By Paige Roemmich | July 8, 2026 |

June 2, 2026

In this edition:

Colorado Primary Elections Reshape the Landscape Ahead of November
CAHB Releases Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code Compliance Guide

Colorado Primary Elections Reshape the Landscape Ahead of November

Colorado's primary elections produced several surprising results, with voters signaling a desire for change across both parties by unseating several incumbent officeholders. That trend was also evident in local races closely followed by the Metro Housing Coalition, underscoring how quickly the political landscape can shift heading into the general election. Because county and municipal elected officials play a significant role in decisions affecting land use, development approvals, infrastructure, and housing affordability, the outcomes of these races will be important to our industry going forward.

Unfortunately, two of the Coalition's three endorsed candidates were unsuccessful in their respective primary elections. Parker Town Councilmember John Diak was defeated in the Republican primary for Douglas County Commissioner by newcomer Jake Bockenfeld, while incumbent Dallas Schroeder lost the Republican primary for Elbert County Commissioner to Ken Madsen. In Adams County, MHC-endorsed candidate Karen DeAguero appears to have secured the Democratic nomination for County Commissioner, holding a lead of just under 1,000 votes over Tyler Quick based on unofficial election results. Pending certification, DeAguero will advance to the November general election.

The Coalition extends its appreciation to the MHC board members who participated in this year's candidate interview process and engaged with candidates on the housing issues affecting our industry. As the focus shifts to the fall general election, the Metro Housing Coalition will continue working to educate candidates on the importance of expanding housing opportunities and will keep members informed as key races continue to unfold across the region.

CAHB Releases Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code Compliance Guide

The legislatively mandated Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code went into effect last week, establishing statewide minimum standards for construction and site development in designated Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas.

The code, mandated by Senate Bill 23-166, represents a significant change for Colorado's development community by introducing requirements intended to reduce structure ignition risk through building hardening measures and defensible space standards. For developers, builders, architects, engineers, and land use professionals, early integration of CWRC requirements into project planning will be essential to:

Minimize permitting delays
Reduce redesign and construction costs
Improve project timelines
Ensure compliance with the new statewide standards

CAHB has developed a Builder Guide to the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code that explains how properties are classified, outlines the key provisions of the code, and identifies important planning considerations for projects moving forward.

The site also includes an informative presentation given to the CAHB Board January 23 by Joe Loidolt, president of Classic Homes. The presentation explains many of the technical pieces included in the code. Click here to view Joe’s presentation.

We encourage all members operating in WUI areas to review this information. As communities continue to balance growth with wildfire resilience, understanding these new requirements will be an important part of successful project delivery.

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 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.

Thank you to HBA's 2026 Organizational Partners:

Corporate Partners: