Full Breakdown
Colorado's HOME Act Aims to Expand Affordable Housing Options
3/27/2026, 11:52:21 PM
Overview of the HOME Act
On March 25, 2026, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed House Bill 1001, known as the Housing Options Made Easier Act (HOME Act), into law. This legislation aims to facilitate the construction of affordable housing by allowing public schools, colleges, universities, and certain nonprofits to bypass local zoning regulations to build residential units on their land. The bill is part of a broader initiative by Polis and Democratic lawmakers to address the state's housing affordability crisis.
Key Provisions of the HOME Act
The HOME Act mandates that local governments with populations exceeding 2,000 must permit qualifying organizations to develop housing on their properties, regardless of existing zoning laws, starting in 2028. Eligible organizations include transit agencies, public housing authorities, and nonprofits with a track record in housing development. Properties must be located within three miles of a municipality or in counties with populations of at least 5,000. Developments can be up to three stories tall or adhere to local zoning height restrictions.
Governor Polis emphasized the collaborative nature of the bill, stating, “We want our partners at the table as part of the housing solution.” The legislation includes exemptions for properties lacking access to essential infrastructure or those subject to conservation easements.
Legislative Background and Support
The HOME Act is modeled after a previous bill that failed to pass, which included religious institutions among qualifying organizations. State Representative Javier Mabrey, a sponsor of the bill, noted that it provides an opportunity for community-centric organizations to collaborate with local governments to expand housing options.
Opposition and Criticism
Despite its intentions, the HOME Act has faced criticism from local government representatives. Kevin Bommer, executive director of the Colorado Municipal League, argued that the bill undermines local land-use authority and could lead to increased real estate speculation, ultimately driving up housing costs. He described the legislation as a “heavy-handed approach” that does not guarantee affordable housing.
All Republican lawmakers and two Democrats opposed the bill during the voting process. Critics express concerns that the legislation may not effectively address the affordability issue it aims to solve.
Broader Legislative Context
In addition to the HOME Act, Governor Polis signed Senate Bill 1, which allows local governments to utilize existing tax revenue for workforce housing and grants municipalities the authority to manage property for housing development. State Senator Dylan Roberts, a sponsor of this bill, stated it aims to eliminate barriers to local housing projects.
Lawmakers are also considering additional housing measures, including proposals to allow homeowners to subdivide their lots and create financial assistance programs for educational institutions to develop workforce housing.
What's Next
The passage of the HOME Act marks a significant step in Colorado's ongoing efforts to tackle housing affordability. As local governments prepare for the implementation of the new law in 2028, the effectiveness of these measures in creating sustainable and affordable housing remains to be seen.
