Drew Nesmith
@drew-nesmith.bsky.social
Legislative Advisor :Energy, Housing, Land Use, Transportation, Climate, & Urban Economic Development
AR, MS, CO.
Hiking, reading, and Premier League when I’m able, Urbanist
AR, MS, CO.
Hiking, reading, and Premier League when I’m able, Urbanist
Reposted by Drew Nesmith
Denver may allow single-stair apartment buildings from 2026.
"The preliminary Denver proposal would allow five floors above grade, with no more than four units per floor. Including basement residences, a typical single-stair structure might fit 24 homes."
cc @stephenjacobsmith.com
"The preliminary Denver proposal would allow five floors above grade, with no more than four units per floor. Including basement residences, a typical single-stair structure might fit 24 homes."
cc @stephenjacobsmith.com
Denver may allow ‘single stair’ apartments by 2026
The goal is to “unlock so much housing supply.”
denverite.com
June 17, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Denver may allow single-stair apartment buildings from 2026.
"The preliminary Denver proposal would allow five floors above grade, with no more than four units per floor. Including basement residences, a typical single-stair structure might fit 24 homes."
cc @stephenjacobsmith.com
"The preliminary Denver proposal would allow five floors above grade, with no more than four units per floor. Including basement residences, a typical single-stair structure might fit 24 homes."
cc @stephenjacobsmith.com
Reposted by Drew Nesmith
WM draft accelerates tax credit phase out for projects placed in service after 2028. It kills transferability for a number of credits, including the ITC and PTC.
Rather than repealing them, they're making credits less generous AND more difficult to use.
Pictures credits @advaitarun.bsky.social
Rather than repealing them, they're making credits less generous AND more difficult to use.
Pictures credits @advaitarun.bsky.social
May 12, 2025 at 7:12 PM
WM draft accelerates tax credit phase out for projects placed in service after 2028. It kills transferability for a number of credits, including the ITC and PTC.
Rather than repealing them, they're making credits less generous AND more difficult to use.
Pictures credits @advaitarun.bsky.social
Rather than repealing them, they're making credits less generous AND more difficult to use.
Pictures credits @advaitarun.bsky.social
Reposted by Drew Nesmith
A beautiful and somber elegy written by my colleague @ashwinwarrior.bsky.social
This moment demands we marshal ambitious visions for state and municipal capacity. What could be more fitting to honor what we've lost and to prepare for federal reconstruction?
publicenterprise.org/public-servi...
This moment demands we marshal ambitious visions for state and municipal capacity. What could be more fitting to honor what we've lost and to prepare for federal reconstruction?
publicenterprise.org/public-servi...
Public Service and Imagining the Future Public Sector
This week, during Public Service Recognition Week of all weeks, my social feeds are filled with tributes and reflections from friends and colleagues leaving federal service because they were either fo...
publicenterprise.org
May 9, 2025 at 3:02 PM
A beautiful and somber elegy written by my colleague @ashwinwarrior.bsky.social
This moment demands we marshal ambitious visions for state and municipal capacity. What could be more fitting to honor what we've lost and to prepare for federal reconstruction?
publicenterprise.org/public-servi...
This moment demands we marshal ambitious visions for state and municipal capacity. What could be more fitting to honor what we've lost and to prepare for federal reconstruction?
publicenterprise.org/public-servi...
Reposted by Drew Nesmith
A $415K parking spot at a ski resort is wild, but it reveals an important truth: 'Free' parking isn’t free. We pay for it in higher rents, lost common spaces, and hidden subsidies.
www.denverpost.com/2025/04/17/s...
www.denverpost.com/2025/04/17/s...
Would you buy a Colorado ski-town parking spot for $415,000?
In a few Colorado ski resort towns, and to a lesser degree in downtown Denver, parking spots are now a hot accessory real estate item.
www.denverpost.com
May 8, 2025 at 7:48 PM
A $415K parking spot at a ski resort is wild, but it reveals an important truth: 'Free' parking isn’t free. We pay for it in higher rents, lost common spaces, and hidden subsidies.
www.denverpost.com/2025/04/17/s...
www.denverpost.com/2025/04/17/s...
Reposted by Drew Nesmith
Removing minimum parking mandates gives us cleaner air, cleaner water, and more affordable housing. The #Washington state legislature gets that.
This Earth Day, make sure your elected officials know that too!
This Earth Day, make sure your elected officials know that too!
April 22, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Removing minimum parking mandates gives us cleaner air, cleaner water, and more affordable housing. The #Washington state legislature gets that.
This Earth Day, make sure your elected officials know that too!
This Earth Day, make sure your elected officials know that too!
Reposted by Drew Nesmith
"HVH - Home of Vertical-Horizontal Connection" design submission for the Denver Single Stair Challenge by Ming Chen, Xiaochi Chen, & Ying Chen
A single-stair layout enhances natural ventilation, daylight, & social interaction through shared hubs on each floor
worldarchitecture.org/architecture...
A single-stair layout enhances natural ventilation, daylight, & social interaction through shared hubs on each floor
worldarchitecture.org/architecture...
HVH:Home of Vertical–Horizontal Connection
HVH:Home of Vertical–Horizontal Connection
worldarchitecture.org
April 19, 2025 at 4:50 PM
"HVH - Home of Vertical-Horizontal Connection" design submission for the Denver Single Stair Challenge by Ming Chen, Xiaochi Chen, & Ying Chen
A single-stair layout enhances natural ventilation, daylight, & social interaction through shared hubs on each floor
worldarchitecture.org/architecture...
A single-stair layout enhances natural ventilation, daylight, & social interaction through shared hubs on each floor
worldarchitecture.org/architecture...
Reposted by Drew Nesmith
New: Colorado bill would increase penalties for careless drivers who kill with their cars -->
www.cpr.org/2025/04/10/c...
www.cpr.org/2025/04/10/c...
Colorado bill would increase penalties for careless drivers who kill with their cars
Supporters say the bill would send a message to drivers that careless driving needs to be taken more seriously.
www.cpr.org
April 10, 2025 at 7:11 PM
New: Colorado bill would increase penalties for careless drivers who kill with their cars -->
www.cpr.org/2025/04/10/c...
www.cpr.org/2025/04/10/c...
Reposted by Drew Nesmith
This could be us Denver.
Austin joined an elite club today following the lead of NYC, Seattle, Honolulu, Nashville, Memphis, and Jackson (TN) which all allow mid-rise single stair housing.
Austin joined an elite club today following the lead of NYC, Seattle, Honolulu, Nashville, Memphis, and Jackson (TN) which all allow mid-rise single stair housing.
AUSTIN OFFICIALLY LEGALIZES 5-STORY SINGLE-STAIR APARTMENTS WITH A 10-1 VOTE!!! 🏗️🏬
This makes Austin the 2nd largest city outside of NYC to legalize single-stair apartments! Massive day for Austin and massive thanks to @CMChitoVela for taking the charge on this!
This makes Austin the 2nd largest city outside of NYC to legalize single-stair apartments! Massive day for Austin and massive thanks to @CMChitoVela for taking the charge on this!
April 10, 2025 at 10:56 PM
This could be us Denver.
Austin joined an elite club today following the lead of NYC, Seattle, Honolulu, Nashville, Memphis, and Jackson (TN) which all allow mid-rise single stair housing.
Austin joined an elite club today following the lead of NYC, Seattle, Honolulu, Nashville, Memphis, and Jackson (TN) which all allow mid-rise single stair housing.
Reposted by Drew Nesmith
NFPA is misguided in making the claim that single-stair egress makes buildings "less safe." What evidence was used to backup the claim that single-stair legislation weakens safety codes?
Recent data shows single-stair housing has a strong safety record.
www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-a...
Recent data shows single-stair housing has a strong safety record.
www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-a...
Safety Under Assault
Across the U.S., anti-regulatory sentiments and lobbying efforts are weakening or erasing critical safety codes, officials say
www.nfpa.org
March 24, 2025 at 11:08 PM
NFPA is misguided in making the claim that single-stair egress makes buildings "less safe." What evidence was used to backup the claim that single-stair legislation weakens safety codes?
Recent data shows single-stair housing has a strong safety record.
www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-a...
Recent data shows single-stair housing has a strong safety record.
www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-a...
Reposted by Drew Nesmith
NEW: Judge Chutkan has blocked the EPA from terminating grants for climate programs held by Citibank, saying the Trump administration failed to abide by legal procedures and provided no evidence of impropriety.
ecf.dcd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/show...
ecf.dcd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/show...
March 19, 2025 at 12:20 AM
NEW: Judge Chutkan has blocked the EPA from terminating grants for climate programs held by Citibank, saying the Trump administration failed to abide by legal procedures and provided no evidence of impropriety.
ecf.dcd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/show...
ecf.dcd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/show...
Reposted by Drew Nesmith
Colorado firefighter opposes allowing single-stair in the state, says that Europe “frankly has different risk tolerance.” That is true, but not the way he’s implying – their tolerance is lower! www.ctif.org/sites/defaul... (pg. 63)
March 18, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Colorado firefighter opposes allowing single-stair in the state, says that Europe “frankly has different risk tolerance.” That is true, but not the way he’s implying – their tolerance is lower! www.ctif.org/sites/defaul... (pg. 63)
Reposted by Drew Nesmith
“In 2024, #Colorado mandated that its cities stop enforcing parking mandates for multifamily developments within a quarter mile of transit. #Denver, the state’s capital, wants to take it further and repeal the costly mandates citywide."
www.strongtowns.org/journal/2025...
www.strongtowns.org/journal/2025...
Denver Is Tired of Subsidizing Parking
Denver wants to repeal parking mandates citywide. This will help the city fight the housing crisis by reducing the costs and regulatory hurdles of development.
www.strongtowns.org
March 15, 2025 at 12:57 AM
“In 2024, #Colorado mandated that its cities stop enforcing parking mandates for multifamily developments within a quarter mile of transit. #Denver, the state’s capital, wants to take it further and repeal the costly mandates citywide."
www.strongtowns.org/journal/2025...
www.strongtowns.org/journal/2025...
Reposted by Drew Nesmith
Why legalize taller single-stair housing in the U.S. and Canada?
I co-wrote this brief with an affordable housing developer answering the question about why there are efforts to reform the code to unlock more 'missing middle' housing in North America.
www.mercatus.org/research/pol...
I co-wrote this brief with an affordable housing developer answering the question about why there are efforts to reform the code to unlock more 'missing middle' housing in North America.
www.mercatus.org/research/pol...
The Single-Stair Solution: A Path to More Affordable, Diverse, and Sustainable Housing
FIGURE 1. Milo Apartments, Denver, Colorado by SAR+ Architects
www.mercatus.org
February 19, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Why legalize taller single-stair housing in the U.S. and Canada?
I co-wrote this brief with an affordable housing developer answering the question about why there are efforts to reform the code to unlock more 'missing middle' housing in North America.
www.mercatus.org/research/pol...
I co-wrote this brief with an affordable housing developer answering the question about why there are efforts to reform the code to unlock more 'missing middle' housing in North America.
www.mercatus.org/research/pol...
Reposted by Drew Nesmith
@seanjurs.bsky.social and Peter LiFari show how single-stair reform would help make infill construction possible on Denver's Colfax Ave: www.mercatus.org/research/pol...
The Single-Stair Solution: A Path to More Affordable, Diverse, and Sustainable Housing
FIGURE 1. Milo Apartments, Denver, Colorado by SAR+ Architects
www.mercatus.org
February 19, 2025 at 9:49 PM
@seanjurs.bsky.social and Peter LiFari show how single-stair reform would help make infill construction possible on Denver's Colfax Ave: www.mercatus.org/research/pol...
Reposted by Drew Nesmith
Imagine if they had built this -- a highway straight through downtown and northeast Denver. denverite.com/2017/09/19/p...
Path of destruction: See the downtown Denver highway that almost happened
If the plan had been enacted, the freeway would have swept from I-25 to I-70, charging through Lower Downtown between Blake and Larimer streets.
denverite.com
February 19, 2025 at 4:57 AM
Imagine if they had built this -- a highway straight through downtown and northeast Denver. denverite.com/2017/09/19/p...
Reposted by Drew Nesmith
Imagine 6 families co building with a non profit developer and selling 6 units to help pay for it.
All because the building and approval process was simple, predictable, repeatable and affordable…
All because the building and approval process was simple, predictable, repeatable and affordable…
BC's transit oriented development law calls for certain areas close to transit to be 3FSR and less than 8 storeys.
This is 6 storeys, 12 units on a single lot (in the lower mainland).
This type of project doesn't need to be part of massive tower, or multi year rezoning process.
This is 6 storeys, 12 units on a single lot (in the lower mainland).
This type of project doesn't need to be part of massive tower, or multi year rezoning process.
February 14, 2025 at 2:11 AM
Imagine 6 families co building with a non profit developer and selling 6 units to help pay for it.
All because the building and approval process was simple, predictable, repeatable and affordable…
All because the building and approval process was simple, predictable, repeatable and affordable…
Reposted by Drew Nesmith
In October, I reported on Project 2025’s plan to gut NOAA, the National Weather Service, & climate research
Today The Guardian is reporting “DOGE staffers enter NOAA headquarters and incite reports of cuts and threats”
www.nbcnewyork.com/news/nationa...
Today The Guardian is reporting “DOGE staffers enter NOAA headquarters and incite reports of cuts and threats”
www.nbcnewyork.com/news/nationa...
Project 2025 aims to ‘eradicate' climate change research, slash disaster aid
The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think-tank, takes aim at climate change across the federal government in its Project 2025 policy proposals. The 922 page document targets the National Weather S...
www.nbcnewyork.com
February 5, 2025 at 3:51 AM
In October, I reported on Project 2025’s plan to gut NOAA, the National Weather Service, & climate research
Today The Guardian is reporting “DOGE staffers enter NOAA headquarters and incite reports of cuts and threats”
www.nbcnewyork.com/news/nationa...
Today The Guardian is reporting “DOGE staffers enter NOAA headquarters and incite reports of cuts and threats”
www.nbcnewyork.com/news/nationa...
Reposted by Drew Nesmith
" #Boulder has advanced discussions on eliminating parking minimums citywide. A 2024 #Colorado law prohibiting parking minimums near transit stops starting June 2025 — covering 81% of city parcels — has added momentum.”
Statewide reform is where it’s at!
boulderreportinglab.org/newsletter/%...
Statewide reform is where it’s at!
boulderreportinglab.org/newsletter/%...
🏫 New Vista unveils $52M custom campus - The Boulder Reporting Lab
Good morning, Boulder. The sun returns today — enjoy the break in the clouds while it lasts. Leading the news: School is back in session, and New Vista High School students walked into their first-eve...
boulderreportinglab.org
January 13, 2025 at 8:34 PM
" #Boulder has advanced discussions on eliminating parking minimums citywide. A 2024 #Colorado law prohibiting parking minimums near transit stops starting June 2025 — covering 81% of city parcels — has added momentum.”
Statewide reform is where it’s at!
boulderreportinglab.org/newsletter/%...
Statewide reform is where it’s at!
boulderreportinglab.org/newsletter/%...
Reposted by Drew Nesmith
If you're in Denver, be sure to call or email your councilperson and ask them to support eliminating costly parking mandates citywide instead of just in the limited areas the state law requires
Signed by Gov. Polis in May 2024, and beginning in June 2025, HB24-1304 eliminates minimum parking requirements near public transit stations statewide. The bill also creates technical assistance materials to help municipalities better manage on & off-street parking.
📍Colorado 🏔️
📍Colorado 🏔️
January 10, 2025 at 6:43 PM
If you're in Denver, be sure to call or email your councilperson and ask them to support eliminating costly parking mandates citywide instead of just in the limited areas the state law requires
Reposted by Drew Nesmith
The text of HB24-1304: leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb24-1...
Minimum Parking Requirements | Colorado General Assembly
leg.colorado.gov
January 10, 2025 at 6:42 PM
The text of HB24-1304: leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb24-1...
Reposted by Drew Nesmith
Signed by Gov. Polis in May 2024, and beginning in June 2025, HB24-1304 eliminates minimum parking requirements near public transit stations statewide. The bill also creates technical assistance materials to help municipalities better manage on & off-street parking.
📍Colorado 🏔️
📍Colorado 🏔️
January 10, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Signed by Gov. Polis in May 2024, and beginning in June 2025, HB24-1304 eliminates minimum parking requirements near public transit stations statewide. The bill also creates technical assistance materials to help municipalities better manage on & off-street parking.
📍Colorado 🏔️
📍Colorado 🏔️
Reposted by Drew Nesmith
I’ve been trying to schedule something with a fire engineer related to elevators, and he kept putting me off, saying he’s tied up with a major proposal. I finally talked to him today – turns out that proposal was about single-stair! I think this building code reform stuff might be starting to stick.
January 10, 2025 at 6:19 PM
I’ve been trying to schedule something with a fire engineer related to elevators, and he kept putting me off, saying he’s tied up with a major proposal. I finally talked to him today – turns out that proposal was about single-stair! I think this building code reform stuff might be starting to stick.
Reposted by Drew Nesmith
A new bill just dropped in #waleg to require the state building code council to allow smaller, internationally best-in-class elevators to be built in small apartment buildings.
Read #SB5156 here: app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?...
Read #SB5156 here: app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?...
January 9, 2025 at 5:26 AM
A new bill just dropped in #waleg to require the state building code council to allow smaller, internationally best-in-class elevators to be built in small apartment buildings.
Read #SB5156 here: app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?...
Read #SB5156 here: app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?...
Reposted by Drew Nesmith
The Pacific Palisades neighborhood caught in the #PalisadesFire is one of the biggest users of California's insurer of last resort, with nearly $6 billion in exposure
www.cfpnet.com/key-statisti...
www.cfpnet.com/key-statisti...
January 8, 2025 at 3:30 PM
The Pacific Palisades neighborhood caught in the #PalisadesFire is one of the biggest users of California's insurer of last resort, with nearly $6 billion in exposure
www.cfpnet.com/key-statisti...
www.cfpnet.com/key-statisti...
Reposted by Drew Nesmith
Hey y'all: is anyone out there thinking about what enabling policy/regulation it would take to permit balcony solar in the USA? Shouldnt we? (Context www.canarymedia.com/articles/sol...). 🔌💡
How Germany outfitted half a million balconies with solar panels
The country’s residents installed 200MW of balcony solar during the first half of 2024. It’s becoming an increasingly popular way to take climate action…
www.canarymedia.com
January 6, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Hey y'all: is anyone out there thinking about what enabling policy/regulation it would take to permit balcony solar in the USA? Shouldnt we? (Context www.canarymedia.com/articles/sol...). 🔌💡