The Left Hand Slap
Colorado governor threatens to withhold grants from cities that don’t comply with housing laws
Gov. Jared Polis is putting local governments on notice: Either they comply with state housing laws, or they risk losing at least $100 million a year in state funding.
Gov. Jared Polis signed an executive order on Friday requiring Colorado cities and counties to comply with state housing laws or risk losing more than $100 million annually in state grants.
The order concerns a host of new regulations aimed at boosting housing affordability and capacity. Some have yet to take effect, and not all apply statewide.
Several local governments, including some home rule cities like Westminster, have pushed back, saying they won’t comply with laws requiring denser housing and less parking near transit. Polis’ order has drawn criticism from local officials and lawmakers, who argue it—along with the housing laws—amount to government overreach.
