The HBA Advocate Newsletter | February 4, 2025
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February 4, 2025 |
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In this edition:
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HBA of Metro Denver Creating Two New Joint Taskforces in Erie and Arapahoe County |
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In an effort to improve dialogue between local governments and the residential construction industry, the HBA of Metro Denver will be creating two new Joint Taskforces in Erie and Arapahoe County this month. Local Task Force Committees offer HBA members a forum to discuss local regulatory and policy issues with elected officials and their staff in high-growth cities and counties. HBA JTFs are already meeting regularly with city and county officials from Denver, Aurora, Thornton and Commerce City. Due to the significant increase in permit applications in Erie and Arapahoe County, and the unique challenges our builders have experienced in recent years, the HBA believes adding quarterly meetings in these localities will go a long way toward improving efficiency, processes and positive policy outcomes. If you are interested in the political process, participating in a JTF gives you great exposure to regulatory and policy issues in our high-growth cities and counties. Please contact Morgan Cullen at mcullen@hbadenver.com for more information. |
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Judge Pauses Enforcement of New Lakewood Development Law |
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Justin Wingerter, Business Den A judge has barred Lakewood from enforcing a new ordinance on developers and has ordered the city to let a disputed apartment project move ahead to a planning hearing. Kairoi Residential, of Texas, seeks to build a 412-unit apartment complex on private property on the east side of Belmar Park. That idea drew the ire of some residents in 2023, who pushed for a city ordinance requiring developers set aside a portion of their development for parkland. Until then, developers had been able to pay a fee in lieu of the parkland designation, as Kairoi planned to do. Before the people of Lakewood could vote on the matter, the Lakewood City Council approved the ordinance on an 8-3 November vote. Mayor Wendi Strom said at the time she expected the measure to face legal challenges and didn’t want to spend money on an election “when the outcome will ultimately end up being decided in court.” The ordinance took effect in December. Kairoi then sued, arguing the new law is illegal and unfair. It spent millions planning and designing its apartments under one law and now must contend with a new law that would make the project impossible, it says. The ordinance also runs afoul of state and federal constitutions and infringes on Kairoi’s property rights, according to its Dec. 20 lawsuit. Earlier this month, the developer asked District Court Judge Jason Carrithers to temporarily prohibit the City of Lakewood from enacting the change. The matter was urgent, Kairoi said, because its project is to be considered at a planning commission meeting Jan. 29. Developments related to this story are ongoing and the HBA of Metro Denver will continue to keep you updated as new information becomes available. The full article is available on Business Den. |
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HBA of Metro Denver Issue Tracker |
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HBA is looking for Members to Participate in Advocacy, Regulatory and Technical Committees in 2025 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. |
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Thank you to HBA's 2025 Organizational Partners: |
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Corporate Partners: |
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Contact Connie Dahl for more info on becoming an HBA Sponsor, or visit hbadenver.com/sponsorships for more information! |