Governor Polis' Ill-Conceived Plan for ‘Affordable Housing’ in Colorado
Governor Jared Polis has once again demonstrated his misguided approach to addressing attainable housing by proposing a plan that would put the state of Colorado in the real estate business and overregulate communities.
Polis, along with his progressive colleagues, believes that only the government can create jobs, housing, and opportunity. In his quest to micromanage every aspect of housing, the governor seeks to impose a one-size-fits-all approach that disregards free markets and community standards.
Despite failing to convince even members of his own party during the previous session, Polis remains determined to take over Colorado's housing market in dramatic ways and city planning. Ignoring the principles of a free market economy, the governor claims that making housing more affordable and accessible is the key to addressing the state's affordability crisis.
However, his approach ignores the fact that government interference often leads to unintended consequences and stifles innovation.
Polis aims to make housing more affordable and easily accessible in the state by the time Colorado celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2026. He argues that affordability is the top concern for Coloradans across the state, but fails to recognize that his top-down approach undermines the principles of individual choice and personal responsibility.
The governor's latest roadmap outlines six key areas that he believes will help meet the housing and affordability goals. These include reducing regulations and removing red tape to facilitate development, increasing access to public transportation, and promoting strategic planning for improved air quality and reduced traffic.
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While these goals may sound appealing on the surface, they fail to consider the potential negative consequences of government intervention.
Critics of Polis' plan fear that it will drive down prices of existing homes, reduce new inventory, and destroy the unique character of individual communities. By imposing state-mandated city planning and removing local control, the governor risks undermining the very fabric of Colorado's diverse neighborhoods.
The six goals described by the governor’s office are:
Saving people money on housing and increasing supply
Streamlining processes to save everyone time and money
Increasing access to trains, buses, and bikes and saving money and time on your commute
Strategic planning that improves air quality and reduces traffic
Enhancing our Colorado way of life: Water, open spaces, and thriving neighborhoods
Supporting local businesses, creatives, and community revitalization
Polis highlighted units in Lakewood near transit as more of what he says the state needs.
Governor Polis and his progressive allies believe they know what is best for Coloradans, despite the concerns and objections raised by citizens and local communities. Their disregard for free markets and individual liberties threatens to disrupt the housing market and hinder economic growth.
Critics of the ‘Polis roadmap’ believe it is time for a more balanced and market-driven approach that empowers individuals and fosters economic prosperity without sacrificing the unique character of our communities.