{"id":460,"date":"2025-04-30T11:01:45","date_gmt":"2025-04-30T11:01:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sewellconsultancy.com\/?p=460"},"modified":"2025-05-05T03:11:20","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T03:11:20","slug":"denvers-housing-crisis-demands-action-the-gods-backyard-bill-offers-hope-opinion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/sewellconsultancy.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/30\/denvers-housing-crisis-demands-action-the-gods-backyard-bill-offers-hope-opinion\/","title":{"rendered":"Denver\u2019s housing crisis demands action \u2013 the \u201cGod\u2019s Backyard\u201d bill offers hope (Opinion)"},"content":{"rendered":"

The COVID-19 pandemic intensified a housing crisis<\/a> defined by skyrocketing prices and a severe lack of supply — Denver was not spared. According to the Denver Metro Association of Realtors, median home and condo prices surged by 38.5% between March 2020 and April 2022, peaking at $616,500, an unattainable price for many prospective homeowners.<\/p>\n

This crisis has disproportionately affected communities of color. Due to the long legacy of discriminatory practices like redlining — which denied mortgage insurance in or near Black neighborhoods \u2014 Black Coloradans are now 50% less likely than white Coloradans to own a home.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, Colorado\u2019s political leadership, including Sen. Tony Exum, the Legislative Black Caucus, and Gov. Jared Polis, recognized that this disparity cannot continue. They\u2019ve taken meaningful steps to incentivize housing construction, aiming to reduce costs and increase supply. And the early signs are promising: by the end of March, nearly 10,000 condos and single-family homes were for sale in the Denver metro area — a 67% increase from the previous year.<\/p>\n

These gains are encouraging, but more work is needed. First, we must better utilize the land we already have, especially in communities that need housing the most. House Bill 1169<\/a>, introduced this year, is a step in that direction. Known as the \u201cYes in God\u2019s Backyard\u201d bill, it allows faith-based organizations and educational institutions, such as school districts, colleges, and universities, to build housing on their own vacant lots, which are often restricted by outdated local zoning laws.<\/p>\n

HB 1169 cuts through red tape, enabling these institutions to expand their community-focused missions while unlocking new opportunities for affordable housing development across the state. Yet, some legislators whose districts would benefit most have shown reluctance. They need to hear from those of us committed to creative, effective solutions.<\/p>\n

Once land access is improved, we must be strategic about the types of housing we build. Denver needs 5,000 new apartments annually to meet demand and ease costs. However, over three-quarters of residential zones are dedicated to single-family homes — the least efficient and most expensive housing type to build and maintain. While single-family homes remain the traditional ideal, we must embrace multifamily housing options such as apartments, duplexes, and condos. These allow for more units in high-demand areas and more attainable price points for working families. If Colorado is serious about solving its housing crisis, compact, inclusive, and efficient development must be part of the solution.<\/p>\n