In a move to expand the parameters of where new housing can be built, Colorado Governor Jared Polis is challenging members of the state legislature to take a different approach to existing land use policies.
In his State of the State address marking the beginning of his second term in office, Polis noted that the last time the state implemented any substantive land use regulation changes was in 1974. “We were a different state then,” he said. “Over the last half century, housing prices have increased roughly four times the rate of income.”
That rate, said the Governor, means “a house today costs over four times as much compared to today’s income levels than 60 years ago, putting the dream of homeownership out of range for too many Coloradoans.”
In addressing land use issues this year, Polis wants to update the state’s official land use code, permitting for more flexible zoning, while also speeding up the permitting process.
“It’s time to legalize more housing choices for every Coloradoan, and give homeowners more freedom, revitalize our cities and towns, while protecting the character of our state,” asserted Polis.
Noting that last year Colorado voters approved Proposition 123, which dedicates up to $300 million annually to building new housing, Polis remarked, “We can’t just buy our way out of this, we have to break down government barriers, expand private property rights, and reduce regulations to actually construct more housing options at a lower cost so all Coloradoans can thrive.”
Polis also called for a reduction in the state’s property tax, and proposed up to $120 million in annual clean energy tax credits.
“With this tax relief and incentives, we can improve our air quality, accelerate innovation, and make more rapid progress towards out goals,” said Polis, “while saving people money at the pump and on their utility bills, and increasing access to clean, low-cost transportation options.”
By Garry Boulard
