ALISON COOMBS: Local governments can’t solve the housing crisis alone: A call for state action

As a local elected official, I’ve witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by Coloradans due to the acute shortage of housing that is affordable for working people. While local governments take the lead in addressing housing issues and making land use decisions, it’s becoming increasingly evident that we alone cannot adequately combat the magnitude of the housing crisis we face.

Local governments across the state have tried to meet the moment and their efforts are worth praising, however, local opposition continues to stand in the way of effectively addressing the housing crisis. For example, municipalities across the front range with moderate to large populations struggle with fierce opposition from residents who oppose adding more density, despite its benefits.

It’s no wonder why now 70% of Coloradans believe that local governments are not doing enough to reduce the cost of renting or buying a home. Which is why they need the state’s help.

Let’s confront a harsh reality: An absolutist stance on local control overlooks the inherent inequities entrenched within local land use decisions. The voices of those privileged enough to attend city council or county commissioner meetings often carry disproportionate weight, drowning out the concerns of marginalized communities who are unable to participate due to barriers such as multiple job commitments, caretaking responsibilities, language barriers, or lack of awareness about civic engagement.

Constituents reach out regularly with concerns about housing affordability in our city. One constituent contacted me because they were paying half of their monthly income in rent, to live in a building that had constant maintenance issues. On top of making tough choices between buying food and staying housed, they also had the stress of living in bad conditions despite working more than full time. Unfortunately, this is a common story for so many people in our state who choose housing that doesn’t meet their needs because they can’t afford housing otherwise. I, too, have found myself in a situation where I was both cost burdened and dealing with a landlord that was uninterested in providing quality housing. It’s glaringly clear that the status quo favors the privileged few, making it exceedingly challenging for local elected officials to enact meaningful change that serves the common good.

This is where HB24-1313 emerges as a beacon of hope. This legislation strikes a delicate balance by leveling the playing field for those most adversely affected by the housing crisis. It offers essential guidance and financial support to officials at the city and county levels, empowering them to cater to the diverse needs of their entire communities while retaining autonomy over the implementation of necessary changes.

Continuing to adhere to the same outdated approach and expecting different outcomes is not only futile but also detrimental to the well-being of our residents. The debate should not be about who has the power to make decisions, but rather what we can all do to ensure our constituents can afford to live in our communities. These decisions have long been the exclusive purview of local jurisdictions in Colorado. Yet, despite this autonomy, we find ourselves mired in a housing shortage that threatens the stability and security of countless Coloradans.

HB24-1313 provides a vital framework for local elected officials to enact policies that prioritize housing affordability and equity. By acknowledging the limitations of local control and embracing a more collaborative approach between state and local entities, we can chart a new course towards a future where all Coloradans have access to safe, affordable housing.

In the face of such a formidable crisis, it’s imperative that we set aside rigid ideological divisions and embrace pragmatic solutions that prioritize the well-being of our communities. HB24-1313 isn’t about encroaching on local autonomy — It’s about empowering local governments to enact meaningful change that benefits everyone. As a local elected official, I wholeheartedly support this legislation and urge my colleagues at the state level to do the same. Our residents deserve nothing less.

At-Large Aurora City Council Member Alison Coombs is serving her second term on city council. As a city council member, she has championed housing affordability, worker’s rights, and climate action initiatives.