Colorado Democrats have unveiled a sweeping bill that would compel cities to embark on a massive government-mandated housing experiment near underutilized transit lines. House Bill 24-1313, introduced by a coalition of liberal Denver Democrats, seeks to impose rigid mandates on local governments, infringing on their autonomy and disregarding the concerns of residents and community stakeholders.

The proposed legislation aims to coerce cities into denser housing development near bus routes and rail services by offering incentives and penalties based on compliance with predetermined housing goals.

Under the guise of addressing the state's affordable housing shortage, the bill would wield significant financial leverage to enforce its agenda, undercutting local decision-making processes and disregarding the unique needs and preferences of Colorado communities.

Rep. Iman Jodeh, a key proponent of the bill, has framed HB24-1313 as a means to reduce the cost of living by dictating where and how housing should be built. This top-down approach, championed by liberal Democrats, reflects a troubling trend of government overreach and centralization of power, as the state seeks to dictate zoning regulations and development patterns without genuine input from affected municipalities and residents.

The bill's far-reaching implications extend beyond mere incentivization, as it grants the state authority to override local development codes and impose its vision of transit-oriented housing.

PRIME SPONSORS

Rep. Steven Woodrow

Rep. Iman Jodeh

Sen. Chris Hansen

Sen. Faith Winter

Should local governments resist or fail to comply, they risk losing critical transportation funding and facing legal battles initiated by the state, setting the stage for a contentious struggle over land-use policies and community planning.

Critics, including Kevin Bommer of the Colorado Municipal League, have raised valid concerns about the bill's heavy-handed approach and its dismissive attitude towards local control and collaboration.

“This is what happens when people who don't do this for a living try to tell others, ‘This is what you need to do,’” Bommer told Colorado Public Radio. “And all based on the assumption that cities and towns are the problem, instead of partnering with them.”

By compelling cities to adhere to rigid “housing opportunity goals” (HOGs) and rezoning requirements, the legislation undermines the principle of subsidiarity and imposes a one-size-fits-all solution on diverse municipalities with varying needs and priorities.

Furthermore, the bill's focus on densification near transit lines overlooks the complexities of urban planning and fails to account for the preferences of residents who may seek alternatives to high-density living.

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By coercing cities to accommodate specific housing targets and affordable housing strategies, the legislation undermines the principles of property rights and market-based solutions, substituting government mandates for organic, community-driven development.

Spearheaded by a group of ultra-liberal Democrats, including Rep. Steven Woodrow, Sen. Chris Hansen, and Sen. Faith Winter, HB24-1313 epitomizes the ideological agenda of progressive lawmakers who prioritize government intervention over individual choice and local autonomy.

As Colorado residents and local officials brace for the repercussions of this overreaching bill, the fight for property rights, community sovereignty, and sensible housing policy continues in the face of government intrusion and bureaucratic overreach.