@mattfrommer.bsky.social
Smart growth, housing, transportation, and climate policy in Colorado.
Reposted
Colorado’s 2024 land use reforms on ADUs, parking, and TOD were a big step.
But the real climate and affordability gains come when cities go beyond the minimums.
Let’s double down on smart growth to cut emissions, costs, and wildfire risk.
Here's our breakdown:
housingforwardco.org/five-ways-sm...
But the real climate and affordability gains come when cities go beyond the minimums.
Let’s double down on smart growth to cut emissions, costs, and wildfire risk.
Here's our breakdown:
housingforwardco.org/five-ways-sm...
Five ways smart land use policies tackle climate change in Colorado
Strategic growth policies can reduce emissions from transportation and buildings while saving residents money and protecting open lands.
housingforwardco.org
October 23, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Colorado’s 2024 land use reforms on ADUs, parking, and TOD were a big step.
But the real climate and affordability gains come when cities go beyond the minimums.
Let’s double down on smart growth to cut emissions, costs, and wildfire risk.
Here's our breakdown:
housingforwardco.org/five-ways-sm...
But the real climate and affordability gains come when cities go beyond the minimums.
Let’s double down on smart growth to cut emissions, costs, and wildfire risk.
Here's our breakdown:
housingforwardco.org/five-ways-sm...
Reposted
We made it onto Bluesky! 🎉 Climate-friendly, pro-housing content coming soon! 🏘️🌏🌄
October 22, 2025 at 10:37 PM
We made it onto Bluesky! 🎉 Climate-friendly, pro-housing content coming soon! 🏘️🌏🌄
Reposted
(1/2) The CO Energy Office modeled how smart land use policies impact GHG emissions &climate risks. The results:
🏘️ -31% building emissions
🚗 -15% household transpo emissions
🌲 +30% of new homes shifted from greenfield development to infill
🔥 -Tens of thousands fewer homes in wildfire-prone areas
🏘️ -31% building emissions
🚗 -15% household transpo emissions
🌲 +30% of new homes shifted from greenfield development to infill
🔥 -Tens of thousands fewer homes in wildfire-prone areas
October 20, 2025 at 6:53 PM
(1/2) The CO Energy Office modeled how smart land use policies impact GHG emissions &climate risks. The results:
🏘️ -31% building emissions
🚗 -15% household transpo emissions
🌲 +30% of new homes shifted from greenfield development to infill
🔥 -Tens of thousands fewer homes in wildfire-prone areas
🏘️ -31% building emissions
🚗 -15% household transpo emissions
🌲 +30% of new homes shifted from greenfield development to infill
🔥 -Tens of thousands fewer homes in wildfire-prone areas
New release from Governor Polis finds most Colorado communities are working toward compliance with state housing laws to expand housing choices & lower costs.
www.colorado.gov/governor/new...
1/
www.colorado.gov/governor/new...
1/
Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) Announces High Level of Local Government Compliance with Colorado Law | Colorado Governor Jared Polis
STATEWIDE - The Colorado Department of Local Affairs is pleased to report a high rate of compliance and compliance in progress among subject jurisdictions with various laws related to strategic growth...
www.colorado.gov
October 8, 2025 at 3:22 PM
New release from Governor Polis finds most Colorado communities are working toward compliance with state housing laws to expand housing choices & lower costs.
www.colorado.gov/governor/new...
1/
www.colorado.gov/governor/new...
1/
Reposted
New post about how bulk transit passes are incredibly affordable and pair nicely with new parking reform and TOD laws.
New tools in SB25-161 expand this program - let's use them!
Written with James Flattum from @greatdentransit.bsky.social
New tools in SB25-161 expand this program - let's use them!
Written with James Flattum from @greatdentransit.bsky.social
Great article by Max Nardo & our very own James Flattum about the opportunities eliminating parking minimums pared with increased Neighborhood EcoPass update could provide for incurring @RideRTD ridership.
housingforwardco.org/untapped-pot...
housingforwardco.org/untapped-pot...
Untapped Potential of RTD’s Neighborhood EcoPass
A low-cost policy to speed Colorado’s shift to sustainable, affordable communities | Housing Forward Colorado, a project of SWEEP
housingforwardco.org
August 29, 2025 at 4:22 PM
New post about how bulk transit passes are incredibly affordable and pair nicely with new parking reform and TOD laws.
New tools in SB25-161 expand this program - let's use them!
Written with James Flattum from @greatdentransit.bsky.social
New tools in SB25-161 expand this program - let's use them!
Written with James Flattum from @greatdentransit.bsky.social
New @pewtrusts.org research shows that adding lots of new housing supply lowers rents, especially in older and more affordable Class C apartments. In Denver, average rents fell 4.2% overall in 2023–24, and Class C rents dropped 7.6%.
t.co/DukRRheG9Q
1/
t.co/DukRRheG9Q
1/
August 18, 2025 at 6:44 PM
New @pewtrusts.org research shows that adding lots of new housing supply lowers rents, especially in older and more affordable Class C apartments. In Denver, average rents fell 4.2% overall in 2023–24, and Class C rents dropped 7.6%.
t.co/DukRRheG9Q
1/
t.co/DukRRheG9Q
1/
Shoutout to Denver for building this sweet protected bike lane on South Broadway. At first I was skeptical but now I use it almost daily, and it looks like I’m not the only one… Now please extend it through Golden Triangle, downtown and into Rino thanks
August 15, 2025 at 10:58 PM
Shoutout to Denver for building this sweet protected bike lane on South Broadway. At first I was skeptical but now I use it almost daily, and it looks like I’m not the only one… Now please extend it through Golden Triangle, downtown and into Rino thanks
New press release from SWEEP & partners:
Environmental and housing groups support new executive order rewarding local governments for tackling the housing affordability and climate crises.
www.swenergy.org/conservation...
Environmental and housing groups support new executive order rewarding local governments for tackling the housing affordability and climate crises.
www.swenergy.org/conservation...
Conservation and housing groups support new executive order rewarding local governments for tackling the housing affordability and climate crises - Southwest Energy Efficiency Project
www.swenergy.org
August 13, 2025 at 8:21 PM
New press release from SWEEP & partners:
Environmental and housing groups support new executive order rewarding local governments for tackling the housing affordability and climate crises.
www.swenergy.org/conservation...
Environmental and housing groups support new executive order rewarding local governments for tackling the housing affordability and climate crises.
www.swenergy.org/conservation...
Colorado's e-bike rebates have been a huge success! "More than 1/3 of respondents said they were taking 2-3 rides a week, with the next-largest group taking 4-5 trips a week."
This is a cost-effective tool to cut emissions & traffic, and save people money. ⚡️🚲 ⚡️
coloradosun.com/2025/08/11/c...
This is a cost-effective tool to cut emissions & traffic, and save people money. ⚡️🚲 ⚡️
coloradosun.com/2025/08/11/c...
Colorado e-bike survey shows rebate users cutting car trips, still facing weather and street challenges
Colorado surveyed more than 3,000 who used a now-depleted rebate program to get big discounts off e-bikes, finding many skipping car trips.
coloradosun.com
August 12, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Colorado's e-bike rebates have been a huge success! "More than 1/3 of respondents said they were taking 2-3 rides a week, with the next-largest group taking 4-5 trips a week."
This is a cost-effective tool to cut emissions & traffic, and save people money. ⚡️🚲 ⚡️
coloradosun.com/2025/08/11/c...
This is a cost-effective tool to cut emissions & traffic, and save people money. ⚡️🚲 ⚡️
coloradosun.com/2025/08/11/c...
Innovative new program in Denver will offer free e-scooter & e-bike rides to light rail stations to address the first/last minute challenge. Props to RTD for getting this started!
denverite.com/2025/08/05/r...
1/
denverite.com/2025/08/05/r...
1/
RTD has a new solution for the 'last mile' problem: scooters and e-bikes
A new pilot program, First Mile Free, will offer free rides to two RTD stations.
denverite.com
August 11, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Innovative new program in Denver will offer free e-scooter & e-bike rides to light rail stations to address the first/last minute challenge. Props to RTD for getting this started!
denverite.com/2025/08/05/r...
1/
denverite.com/2025/08/05/r...
1/
Great new op-ed from State Rep Stewart on the benefits of Lakewood's zoning code proposal to expand housing choices by legalizing "missing middle housing".
These housing options cost $230k less than single detached homes. They also reduce driving & energy/water use.
coloradosun.com/2025/08/07/o...
These housing options cost $230k less than single detached homes. They also reduce driving & energy/water use.
coloradosun.com/2025/08/07/o...
Opinion: Lakewood’s attempt to increase “middle housing” would be big step to address crisis in Colorado
With updates to zoning laws, Lakewood officials can lead other communities down a path to fixing housing shortages and costs.
coloradosun.com
August 8, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Great new op-ed from State Rep Stewart on the benefits of Lakewood's zoning code proposal to expand housing choices by legalizing "missing middle housing".
These housing options cost $230k less than single detached homes. They also reduce driving & energy/water use.
coloradosun.com/2025/08/07/o...
These housing options cost $230k less than single detached homes. They also reduce driving & energy/water use.
coloradosun.com/2025/08/07/o...
Reposted
It's nice to see support for townhomes gaining traction locally. Chart is from Lakewood's 2024 housing plan, text is from Colorado Springs Housing Needs Assessment outreach (reported by KOAA)
August 1, 2025 at 1:39 AM
It's nice to see support for townhomes gaining traction locally. Chart is from Lakewood's 2024 housing plan, text is from Colorado Springs Housing Needs Assessment outreach (reported by KOAA)
After a long night, Denver city council voted 9-3 to eliminate minimum parking requirements for all uses citywide! 👏
August 5, 2025 at 4:19 PM
After a long night, Denver city council voted 9-3 to eliminate minimum parking requirements for all uses citywide! 👏
Helpful update from @denverite.bsky.social on housing in Denver.
The good news: Denver recently doubled its supply of new apartments, leading to the first sustained rent drop in 15 years 🥳. Metro rents fell 3.7% this year while incomes continued to rise - a real win for affordability.
1/
The good news: Denver recently doubled its supply of new apartments, leading to the first sustained rent drop in 15 years 🥳. Metro rents fell 3.7% this year while incomes continued to rise - a real win for affordability.
1/
Denver rent is back to 2022 prices
With 20,000 new units on the market, prices are down about 3.7 percent.
denverite.com
July 28, 2025 at 10:47 PM
Helpful update from @denverite.bsky.social on housing in Denver.
The good news: Denver recently doubled its supply of new apartments, leading to the first sustained rent drop in 15 years 🥳. Metro rents fell 3.7% this year while incomes continued to rise - a real win for affordability.
1/
The good news: Denver recently doubled its supply of new apartments, leading to the first sustained rent drop in 15 years 🥳. Metro rents fell 3.7% this year while incomes continued to rise - a real win for affordability.
1/
CDOT's expanded Bustang service is a real bright spot for CO's transportation system. Ridership has doubled since 2021 because of:
1) New "Mobility Hub" bus stations on the highways mean buses only stop for 30 seconds and drive in the Express Lanes to bypass traffic. “It’s very train-like,”....
1/
1) New "Mobility Hub" bus stations on the highways mean buses only stop for 30 seconds and drive in the Express Lanes to bypass traffic. “It’s very train-like,”....
1/
July 28, 2025 at 4:55 PM
CDOT's expanded Bustang service is a real bright spot for CO's transportation system. Ridership has doubled since 2021 because of:
1) New "Mobility Hub" bus stations on the highways mean buses only stop for 30 seconds and drive in the Express Lanes to bypass traffic. “It’s very train-like,”....
1/
1) New "Mobility Hub" bus stations on the highways mean buses only stop for 30 seconds and drive in the Express Lanes to bypass traffic. “It’s very train-like,”....
1/
It's official - last night, Boulder voted to eliminate minimum parking requirements for all new development citywide! 👏 The city's had parking minimums since 1954, which has forced builders to oversupply parking, resulting in empty lots, less housing, & higher rents.
1/
1/
July 25, 2025 at 7:30 PM
It's official - last night, Boulder voted to eliminate minimum parking requirements for all new development citywide! 👏 The city's had parking minimums since 1954, which has forced builders to oversupply parking, resulting in empty lots, less housing, & higher rents.
1/
1/
New housing cost data from Arapahoe County shows single-family homes are $250,000 more expensive than townhomes & condos ($600k vs $350k).
1/
t.co/k6uzaa9Xp6
1/
t.co/k6uzaa9Xp6
July 21, 2025 at 5:02 PM
New housing cost data from Arapahoe County shows single-family homes are $250,000 more expensive than townhomes & condos ($600k vs $350k).
1/
t.co/k6uzaa9Xp6
1/
t.co/k6uzaa9Xp6
Today, our Housing Forward Colorado campaign published an updated Colorado Land Use Progress Report, which tracks local action to comply with the 2024 state land use laws.
June 30 was a major deadline & we reviewed dozens of city ordinances.
housingforwardco.org/colorado-lan...
A few takeaways:
June 30 was a major deadline & we reviewed dozens of city ordinances.
housingforwardco.org/colorado-lan...
A few takeaways:
CO Land Use Progress Report - July 2025 - Housing Forward CO
Documenting local governments putting state housing policy into action — and the creative solutions emerging statewide.
housingforwardco.org
July 10, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Today, our Housing Forward Colorado campaign published an updated Colorado Land Use Progress Report, which tracks local action to comply with the 2024 state land use laws.
June 30 was a major deadline & we reviewed dozens of city ordinances.
housingforwardco.org/colorado-lan...
A few takeaways:
June 30 was a major deadline & we reviewed dozens of city ordinances.
housingforwardco.org/colorado-lan...
A few takeaways:
Essential reading for Coloradans interested in housing & land use.
“The state’s lot size and parking requirements are “really at odds with this notion of Colorado being an environmentally friendly state, a state where people care about the land, where a lot of attention is paid to land management.”
“The state’s lot size and parking requirements are “really at odds with this notion of Colorado being an environmentally friendly state, a state where people care about the land, where a lot of attention is paid to land management.”
Nearly 70% of Colorado land zoned for housing prohibits the most affordable types of homes, study finds
Nearly 70% of Colorado land zoned for housing prohibits the most affordable types of homes, study finds
In the first comprehensive review of Colorado land use laws, the National Zoning Atlas found that you can build single-family homes almost anywhere. But apartments, condos and townhomes are widely prohibited.
coloradosun.com
July 2, 2025 at 3:02 AM
Essential reading for Coloradans interested in housing & land use.
“The state’s lot size and parking requirements are “really at odds with this notion of Colorado being an environmentally friendly state, a state where people care about the land, where a lot of attention is paid to land management.”
“The state’s lot size and parking requirements are “really at odds with this notion of Colorado being an environmentally friendly state, a state where people care about the land, where a lot of attention is paid to land management.”
Reposted
Berkeley - the city that literally invented single-detached-only zoning – passed landmark zoning reform on Friday.
Berkeley will now allow 70 homes per acre across all residential zones (~8 homes per 5k sf lot). 🔥🔥🔥
Huge congrats to @eastbayforeveryone.bsky.social & their coalition!
Berkeley will now allow 70 homes per acre across all residential zones (~8 homes per 5k sf lot). 🔥🔥🔥
Huge congrats to @eastbayforeveryone.bsky.social & their coalition!
Celebrating Berkeley's Middle Housing upzoning win. 🎉 #berkmtg
June 30, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Berkeley - the city that literally invented single-detached-only zoning – passed landmark zoning reform on Friday.
Berkeley will now allow 70 homes per acre across all residential zones (~8 homes per 5k sf lot). 🔥🔥🔥
Huge congrats to @eastbayforeveryone.bsky.social & their coalition!
Berkeley will now allow 70 homes per acre across all residential zones (~8 homes per 5k sf lot). 🔥🔥🔥
Huge congrats to @eastbayforeveryone.bsky.social & their coalition!
An RTD bus stop getting hosed by a sprinkler this morning.
Good metaphor for how we treat transit riders in Colorado (and then wonder why more people don’t use it)
Good metaphor for how we treat transit riders in Colorado (and then wonder why more people don’t use it)
June 30, 2025 at 3:32 PM
An RTD bus stop getting hosed by a sprinkler this morning.
Good metaphor for how we treat transit riders in Colorado (and then wonder why more people don’t use it)
Good metaphor for how we treat transit riders in Colorado (and then wonder why more people don’t use it)
Big shout out to Wheat Ridge City Council for getting rid of parking minimums for all multifamily development across the city. Motion passed last night 7-0!
@rachelhultin.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/live/FqvVCaT...
@rachelhultin.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/live/FqvVCaT...
Wheat Ridge City Council 6-23-25
YouTube video by Wheat Ridge Channel 8
www.youtube.com
June 24, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Big shout out to Wheat Ridge City Council for getting rid of parking minimums for all multifamily development across the city. Motion passed last night 7-0!
@rachelhultin.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/live/FqvVCaT...
@rachelhultin.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/live/FqvVCaT...
Reposted
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scientists urge support of Berkeley’s middle housing ordinance.
June 23, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scientists urge support of Berkeley’s middle housing ordinance.
Excellent new op-ed from Lukas Hagen on how removing parking mandates in Denver will "help lower rents and home prices in an era of high building material costs and exorbitant interest rates."
www.westword.com/news/denver-...
www.westword.com/news/denver-...
Rigid Parking Minimums Increase Housing Costs: Making Denver Affordable Requires Flexibility
A propoal heading to Denver City Council would help lower rents and home prices in an era of high building material costs and exorbitant interest rates.
www.westword.com
June 23, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Excellent new op-ed from Lukas Hagen on how removing parking mandates in Denver will "help lower rents and home prices in an era of high building material costs and exorbitant interest rates."
www.westword.com/news/denver-...
www.westword.com/news/denver-...
Great thread and blog post from Max Nardo with a summary of the results from Portland's middle housing legalization and how a similar policy might play out in Colorado:
Colorado faces a shortage of affordable, diverse housing options. Our new blog looks to Portland, Oregon, for lessons on how middle housing reforms can help fix that🏘️
From SWEEP and our new Housing Forward Colorado campaign
From SWEEP and our new Housing Forward Colorado campaign
Expanding Housing Choices in Colorado
Smaller homes on smaller lots delivering options and affordability in Portland…
housingforwardco.org
June 20, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Great thread and blog post from Max Nardo with a summary of the results from Portland's middle housing legalization and how a similar policy might play out in Colorado: