FORT COLLINS - Today, Governor Polis, State Legislators, and local leaders announced a new proposal to break down barriers to new homes that Coloradans can afford, continuing Colorado’s leadership to lower the cost of housing and save families money.
“Today’s announcement is a big step in Colorado’s nation-leading work to get government out of the business of blocking new housing, and in doing so unleashing the free market to build more homes Coloradans can afford. In Colorado, we are taking action to tackle our housing needs from every angle to build more homes, lower costs, and save Colorado families money, and this proposal does exactly that,” said Governor Polis.
The HOME Act removes barriers to new homes near transit and local businesses, allowing schools, mission-driven organizations, and local governments to use underutilized land to create housing our communities need. Governor Polis and Rep. Boesnecker announced the HOME Act at Oak 140, an example of how underutilized land can create new homes for Colorado families. Removing barriers and allowing communities to tap into underutilized land will create new homes that Coloradans can afford near schools, transit centers, and local business hubs, strengthening our communities. Oak 140 is the result of a partnership between Housing Catalyst and the Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and will target homes for the workforce in downtown Fort Collins.
“Colorado lacks over 100,000 homes, and we need creative solutions to address this housing shortage,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “The HOME Act, new legislation I’m sponsoring this session, will empower community organizations and schools to build affordable housing on their land that is often underutilized and centrally located. By reducing barriers, cutting red tape and leveraging existing land, we can help address Colorado’s housing shortfall by spurring the creation of affordable housing that is located where people live, work and play.”
Earlier today, Governor Polis met with leadership from the University of Northern Colorado to discuss progress on creating Colorado’s 3rd medical school. Funded by HB24-1231 - State Funding for Higher Education Projects, the College of Osteopathic Medicine at UNC will help bolster Colorado’s healthcare workforce which faces worker shortages and ensure all Coloradans have access to the highest quality care we need to stay healthy and thrive. “Across the state, and the entire country, we face a dire shortage of healthcare professionals. This new medical school at UNC will create new pathways for students, strengthen our healthcare workforce, and bring talented students to Colorado. I am proud of the historic work that got us here, and I can't wait to see the next generation of Colorado healthcare professionals train right here in Greeley,” said Governor Polis.
Governor Polis also visited ABC East Child Development Center in Greeley, to celebrate the opening of enrollment for the 2026-27 Universal Free Preschool which saves families more than $6,000 per year.
“Enrollment for universal preschool is open for the 2026-27 school year. This popular initiative saves families over $6,000 per year on childhood expenses and gives young Coloradans a strong start. I’m proud of our progress in making childhood education affordable and accessible for everyone and I look forward to seeing these students thrive,” said Governor Polis.
Governor Polis also visited Clothes Pony & Dandelion Toys, a local small business in Fort Collins.
“This holiday season I encourage Coloradans to support local small businesses like Clothes Pony & Dandelion Toys. Small businesses are the bedrock of our economy and there is no better time to support local businesses than the holidays. Shop local,” said Governor Polis.
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