The HBA Advocate Newsletter | September 5, 2023

September 5, 2023

MHC Political Forum to Highlight Construction Litigation Reform

Every fall, the Metro Housing Coalition hosts its annual Political Forum for industry leaders and elected officials across our jurisdiction. The event doubles as a fundraising opportunity to support pro-industry candidates across the metro-area and to bring awareness to public policy challenges that impact the future of Colorado homebuilding. This year, the event will attempt to tackle the persistent challenges of construction defects and the impact it has on housing attainability and the built environment. Our esteemed panel will consist of Dennis Polk, Esq., a partner at Holley, Albertson & Polk, PC; Peter LiFari, CEO of Maiker Housing Partners; and Carl Koelbel, CEO of Koelbel & Co. The session will be moderated by Jeff McGovern, Senior Vice President of the New Home Company. The event will take place on September 21 at the Highlands Ranch Mansion.

HBA Housing Affordability Tour a Resounding Success
On August 11, the HBA of Metro Denver organized a Housing Affordability Bus Tour designed for elected officials interested in learning more about our industry’s commitment to housing attainability. Over the course of the day, HBA Members, staff and elected officials across our jurisdiction rode by bus to three different developments to learn more about the impediments to housing affordability. By the end of the day, attendees left with a foundational understanding of the major challenges our industry faces when bringing more attainable housing options to market and the innovative solutions builders and developers are implementing to lower costs and improve the quality of life for current and future generations of Coloradans. It was a privilege to showcase the amazing work our members are doing in this space to the area’s elected leaders while showing how the public and private sectors can work collaboratively to solve the problem of housing affordability.

HBA of Metro Denver Holds Successful Second Annual Clay Shoot Event
On August 24, HBA members, colleagues, clients and friends gathered for a fun day of shooting and fundraising for a worthy cause. In total, nearly 100 participants registered for the event, directly benefiting the Home Builders Association’s Strategic Issues Fund to advocate on policy issues critical to our industry across the metro area. This tournament featured a 100-target clay shoot featuring 15 fully automated stations along a cottonwood creek bottom. The event included breakfast and a luncheon with an awards ceremony and prize giveaway. The HBA greatly appreciates the participation and support of our membership at this important event and can’t wait to organize it again next year!

HBA Weighs in on Centennial's Proposed Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance

Over the past year, the City of Centennial has been conducting a comprehensive housing study aimed at increasing the affordability and diversity of its housing stock. The city is now beginning the evaluation process of what measures should be implemented. The proposals include accessory dwelling units, land banking and inclusionary-zoning policies. While Centennial does not have as much developable land and limited long-term growth opportunities for residential construction, the HBA will be staying on top of these precedent-setting policy proposals as the City Council begins its implementation process. As with other municipalities across the metro area, the HBA has consistently provided input on inclusionary-zoning ordinances and the long-term consequences they pose to housing affordability and growth. Last month, the HBA submitted a letter to council outlining our concerns as a first step in our engagement with the city on this controversial policy area.

HBA Asks City of Aurora to Revisit Water Conservation Policies 

Last month, the HBA submitted a letter to the Aurora City Council requesting some revisions to the Water Conservation ordinance passed last year. While the HBA and the residential construction industry in Aurora broadly support and is committed to water conservation, the development community has observed some unintended consequences that have created some challenges with stormwater runoff. Specifically, for a variety of extenuating circumstances, Aurora has assumed higher runoff coefficient projections due to the new ordinance that is putting some proposed projects in jeopardy. Given the potential consequences this could pose to long-term housing affordability, we have asked the City Council and staff to look into this matter and offered potential solutions that are consistent with Aurora’s water conservation goals without impacting the city’s long-term growth potential. The HBA’s Stormwater letter to Council is available 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 2023

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.