The Advocate Newsletter | September 1, 2026

September 1, 2026

In this edition:

Arapahoe County Updating Park and School Land Dedication Requirements 

Arapahoe County is proposing updates to its regulations governing how residential developers provide land or payments for public parks and schools to accommodate growth.

The proposed regulations would replace the County’s current requirement of 6 acres of park land per 1,000 residents with requirements based on the type of housing being developed, including single-family, townhome and multifamily projects. The proposal would also replace the County’s outdated cash-in-lieu rates of $20,000 or $40,000 per acre with payments based on the fair market value of the property.

Other proposed changes include more flexibility in determining the suitability of dedicated land, potential fee reductions or waivers for projects that have limited impacts on parks and schools, and eliminating land or cash requirements for libraries and fire stations where those agencies have other mechanisms to address growth impacts.

The proposed regulations also account for the County’s new affordable housing requirements. For projects with more than 25% affordable housing, the Planning Manager may reduce or eliminate park land dedication requirements based on factors such as project incentives, timing and overall design.

Arapahoe County is currently seeking stakeholder feedback on the proposed changes. Comments can be submitted through the County’s online comment form here by September 15. The land dedication report and draft regulations are available at www.arapahoeco.gov/LDCamendments.

The Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners are expected to hold public hearings on the proposed amendments later this year.

Join us for the HBA 8th Annual Safety Fair 

On September 17, the HBA of Metro Denver's Job Site Safety Committee will host its 8th Annual Safety Fair at the Lyric Development in Lone Tree from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Shea’s Autograph at Lyric Backbeat Place, Parker, CO 80134).

This event is a valuable opportunity for builders, trade partners and industry professionals to explore the latest safety products, learn best practices and share innovative ideas that help create safer job sites.

Attendees can connect with industry peers, discover new safety solutions and stay informed on current trends in construction safety. A complimentary lunch will be provided, along with door prizes and raffle giveaways for registered attendees.

Don't miss this opportunity to network, learn, and strengthen your commitment to job site safety. You can check out the event flyer, here.

HBA 2026 Storm Water Training - Register Today 

The HBA of Metro Denver's Storm Water Committee is pleased to offer an upcoming Storm Water Training Seminar on Wednesday, September 23. As we enter the rainy season, now is the perfect time to ensure your team is up to date on proper storm water management and maintenance practices.

This informative training will cover essential storm water requirements, practical field applications, and best practices to help your company remain compliant and avoid costly violations and county fees.

The cost is just $20 for HBA members, and a complimentary lunch will be provided. Invest in your team's knowledge and stay current on the fundamentals of effective storm water management. Register today by clicking here.

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: