@mattfrommer.bsky.social
Smart growth, housing, transportation, and climate policy in Colorado.
Reposted
"How McMansions lured us into an unhappiness trap" -- WSJ on why smaller houses can lead to happier lives: archive.ph/9zDyE
January 17, 2026 at 4:49 AM
"How McMansions lured us into an unhappiness trap" -- WSJ on why smaller houses can lead to happier lives: archive.ph/9zDyE
Reposted
Sprawl is more than cookie cutter subdivisions. It drives up housing, energy, and infrastructure costs, emissions, and risk. A new DOLA report compares “business as usual” to smart growth, and the results aren’t even close. We break it down in our latest blog: housingforwardco.org/colorado-at-...
Colorado at a crossroads: Why smart growth beats sprawl
We must be more strategic about the kinds of housing we choose to build and where we choose to build it.
housingforwardco.org
January 15, 2026 at 3:29 AM
Sprawl is more than cookie cutter subdivisions. It drives up housing, energy, and infrastructure costs, emissions, and risk. A new DOLA report compares “business as usual” to smart growth, and the results aren’t even close. We break it down in our latest blog: housingforwardco.org/colorado-at-...
Questionable new CDOT study on the proposed I-270 widening claims it won't increase driving. Making driving easier leads to more of it and traffic returns to pre-construction levels in 3–5 years. Big waste of $800M taxpayer dollars.
More in the CO Sun article:
coloradosun.com/2026/01/07/c...
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More in the CO Sun article:
coloradosun.com/2026/01/07/c...
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CDOT’s pollution claims for I-270 expansion are a fantasy, green groups say
As public hearings begin, CDOT and Colorado green groups dispute whether an expansion of I-270 would increase pollution.
coloradosun.com
January 8, 2026 at 4:49 PM
Questionable new CDOT study on the proposed I-270 widening claims it won't increase driving. Making driving easier leads to more of it and traffic returns to pre-construction levels in 3–5 years. Big waste of $800M taxpayer dollars.
More in the CO Sun article:
coloradosun.com/2026/01/07/c...
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More in the CO Sun article:
coloradosun.com/2026/01/07/c...
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Reposted
We're delighted that the Denver Downtown Development Authority (DDDA) has approved funding for an office-to-residential conversion of the historic Petroleum Building! This adaptive reuse project will turn 12 floors of vacant office space into 178 new apartments. www.denvergov.org/News-article...
www.denvergov.org
December 19, 2025 at 4:57 AM
We're delighted that the Denver Downtown Development Authority (DDDA) has approved funding for an office-to-residential conversion of the historic Petroleum Building! This adaptive reuse project will turn 12 floors of vacant office space into 178 new apartments. www.denvergov.org/News-article...
Reposted
Big congrats to Grand Junction, Superior, Larimer County, Glenwood Springs, Fruita, Brighton, and Longmont on being the first to receive grant money from Colorado's Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Grant Program! www.cpr.org/2025/11/19/c...
Cities around the state get funds to help encourage more ADUs
The grants are part of a larger effort to expand the state’s supply of smaller, more affordable housing options.
www.cpr.org
November 21, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Big congrats to Grand Junction, Superior, Larimer County, Glenwood Springs, Fruita, Brighton, and Longmont on being the first to receive grant money from Colorado's Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Grant Program! www.cpr.org/2025/11/19/c...
Denver now allows single-stair residential buildings up to 5 stories instead of just 3 thanks to HB25-1273 👏
Big pro-housing win: Last week, Denver City Council voted to allow five-story single-stair buildings! This design tweak is equally safe from a fire perspective and enables us to fit more homes in a given building -- making them all more affordable! www.coloradopolitics.com/2025/11/24/d...
Denver City Council approves single-stair building ordinance
Members of the Denver City Council approved an ordinance on Monday that adds provisions allowing five-story single-stair buildings into Denver’s building and fire code amendments. The ordinance also…
www.coloradopolitics.com
December 3, 2025 at 6:15 AM
Denver now allows single-stair residential buildings up to 5 stories instead of just 3 thanks to HB25-1273 👏
Exciting news on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Colorado thanks to House bill 24-1152:
Big congrats to Grand Junction, Superior, Larimer County, Glenwood Springs, Fruita, Brighton, and Longmont on being the first to receive grant money from Colorado's Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Grant Program! www.cpr.org/2025/11/19/c...
Cities around the state get funds to help encourage more ADUs
The grants are part of a larger effort to expand the state’s supply of smaller, more affordable housing options.
www.cpr.org
November 24, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Exciting news on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Colorado thanks to House bill 24-1152:
🤯
Insane but true fact: making US roads as safe as Canadian, Australian, or European roads would save more lives than eliminating murder from the US.
November 21, 2025 at 2:30 PM
🤯
Big news out of Lakewood, Colorado!
(1/4) Lakewood just adopted one of Colorado’s most significant zoning updates: legalizing middle housing citywide and making room for the kind of compact, affordable homes the city has been missing.
November 18, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Big news out of Lakewood, Colorado!
Reposted
Our latest blog post by HFC lead @mattfrommer.bsky.social and economist Luke Teater crunches the numbers on how housing construction affects low-income renters in #Denver: housingforwardco.org/denvers-hous...
Denver Housing Construction Benefits Low-Income Renters
Denver’s recent experience shows that when we build more housing, rents fall – and they fall the most for households that need the greatest relief.
housingforwardco.org
November 16, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Our latest blog post by HFC lead @mattfrommer.bsky.social and economist Luke Teater crunches the numbers on how housing construction affects low-income renters in #Denver: housingforwardco.org/denvers-hous...
Denver's recent apartment construction boom has driven down rents. In our new blog, Luke Teater & I use RealPage data to measure rent changes.
Notably, rents in Class C buildings, the most affordable segment, fell twice as fast as pricier Class A and B units.
housingforwardco.org/denvers-hous...
Notably, rents in Class C buildings, the most affordable segment, fell twice as fast as pricier Class A and B units.
housingforwardco.org/denvers-hous...
November 14, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Denver's recent apartment construction boom has driven down rents. In our new blog, Luke Teater & I use RealPage data to measure rent changes.
Notably, rents in Class C buildings, the most affordable segment, fell twice as fast as pricier Class A and B units.
housingforwardco.org/denvers-hous...
Notably, rents in Class C buildings, the most affordable segment, fell twice as fast as pricier Class A and B units.
housingforwardco.org/denvers-hous...
Reposted
Last Tuesday, pro-housing advocates celebrated numerous victories in local elections across Colorado. The message is clear: Pro-housing platforms win elections. Read our press release for details: housingforwardco.org/housing-news...
Colorado pro-housing advocates win big in 2025 local elections
Voters across the Front Range chose pro-housing city council members and defeated anti-growth ballot measures.
housingforwardco.org
November 12, 2025 at 10:51 PM
Last Tuesday, pro-housing advocates celebrated numerous victories in local elections across Colorado. The message is clear: Pro-housing platforms win elections. Read our press release for details: housingforwardco.org/housing-news...
New Colorado Sun article: Will adding more lanes fix I-270 congestion? CDOT’s favored fix will test its new mission, opponents say.
coloradosun.com/2025/11/11/i...
This $725M project is one of several costly highway expansions CDOT’s considering in the upcoming 10 year plan.
coloradosun.com/2025/11/11/i...
This $725M project is one of several costly highway expansions CDOT’s considering in the upcoming 10 year plan.
November 12, 2025 at 4:54 AM
New Colorado Sun article: Will adding more lanes fix I-270 congestion? CDOT’s favored fix will test its new mission, opponents say.
coloradosun.com/2025/11/11/i...
This $725M project is one of several costly highway expansions CDOT’s considering in the upcoming 10 year plan.
coloradosun.com/2025/11/11/i...
This $725M project is one of several costly highway expansions CDOT’s considering in the upcoming 10 year plan.
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...
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www.colorado.gov/governor/new...
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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...
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www.colorado.gov/governor/new...
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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
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t.co/DukRRheG9Q
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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
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t.co/DukRRheG9Q
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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...
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denverite.com/2025/08/05/r...
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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...
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denverite.com/2025/08/05/r...
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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)