DENVER, CO — The Metro Mayors Caucus (MMC), comprised of 38 mayors who represent more than 3 million Coloradans across the Denver metropolitan region- more than half of the state's population, reiterates opposition to HB 26-1001, the “Housing Opportunities Made Easier” (HOME) Act.
The Metro Mayors Caucus remains in opposition to the HOME Act. While addressing housing challenges is a shared priority, HB26 - 1001 represents an aggressive and untested state preemption that departs from a century of Colorado policy supporting thoughtful, locally driven land use planning.
In February, the Caucus sent a letter to the state legislature warning that the legislation’s approach invites irresponsible growth and shifts the resulting costs and consequences onto local governments and residents.
Several Metro Mayors Caucus members participated in the public hearing process and testified against this bill. Throughout the process, the Metro Mayors Caucus highlighted several critical concerns that have not been addressed:
Disregard for Essential Infrastructure: The bill authorizes development without regard for water availability, transportation systems, energy grid capacity, school enrollment limits, or other critical public services.
Undermining Local Planning Efforts: Local governments are actively engaged in extensive planning efforts, designed to align housing growth with demonstrated need and infrastructure capacity. HB26-1001 disregards this ongoing work.
Infringement on Home Rule Authority: Land use regulation and zoning are matters of local concern grounded in constitutional home rule authority. HB26-1001 significantly infringes on that authority and the ability of local governments to manage growth and long-term community wellbeing.
Mandates Over Collaboration: Rather than fostering collaboration, the bill imposes a one-size-fits-all mandate that disregards the distinct needs and conditions of individual communities. Effective housing solutions must emphasize partnership and collaboration.
Despite its opposition to the current bill, the Metro Mayors Caucus remains committed to working alongside state legislators and other stakeholders to develop housing solutions that emphasize partnership and respect the unique conditions of Colorado’s diverse municipalities.
--
About the Metro Mayors Caucus
The Metro Mayors Caucus powered by Civic Results is a unique coalition of mayors from across the Denver metropolitan area, comprised of 38 mayors who represent more than 3 million Coloradans, over half of the state’s population. Mayors formed MMC in 1993 to provide a non-partisan vehicle for regional dialogue and cooperation on issues that transcend individual municipal boundaries. MMC serves as a distinctive platform that cultivates personal connections and leverages dialogue to achieve shared goals, address challenges, and develop solutions that benefit both the region and its member municipalities.
The Metro Mayors Caucus operates on a unique consensus-based decision-making model, ensuring that our positions reflect a true regional agreement across partisan and geographic lines. MMC does not take a formal position on legislation unless a super-majority of our 38 member mayors is in agreement.
About Civic Results
Civic Results is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that helps local governments and partners work together to solve tough regional challenges. We build trust, lead collaboration, and make things happen where others get stuck.
