Advocacy Corner: Affordable Housing, Development Updates & Housing Resources
Denver Launches 90-Day Fast Track for Affordable Housing
The City and County of Denver has launched a new 90-day fast-track permitting process for qualifying affordable housing developments, creating a streamlined pathway intended to reduce delays and increase housing production across the city.
Announced on June 22, 2026, the program applies to income-restricted residential developments that meet specific eligibility criteria. Projects may qualify if they:
- Include at least 50% affordable units (at 60% Area Median Income (AMI) for rentals or 120% AMI for ownership housing)
- Receive funding through Denver's Department of Housing Stability (HOST) for shelters or supportive housing
- Are developed by the Denver Housing Authority
- Utilize the Middle Income Housing Tax Credit
The process is managed by Denver's Affordable Housing Review Team (AHRT), a cross-departmental group that includes Community Planning and Development, Transportation and Infrastructure, Housing Stability, Fire, Parks and Recreation, Public Health and Environment and the City Attorney's Office.
The initiative also supports Colorado's Proposition 123 requirements, which encourage participating jurisdictions to increase affordable housing production while implementing expedited development review processes.
City leaders expect the program to improve coordination between departments, reduce permitting bottlenecks and accelerate the delivery of affordable housing, potentially supporting thousands of new housing units each year.
For DMAR members, a more predictable permitting timeline can improve project feasibility by reducing costly approval delays while further aligning local development practices with broader statewide housing initiatives.
Adams County Development Code Update: What Realtors® Should Know
Adams County is currently undertaking a comprehensive update to its development code, a significant rewrite of the zoning and land use regulations that guide future growth throughout the county. The update is intended to modernize existing regulations, improve clarity, streamline development processes, and better align land use standards with today's housing and infrastructure needs.
For the real estate industry, updates like these matter because development codes directly influence housing supply, redevelopment opportunities, project feasibility, permitting timelines and long-term community growth.
While the code rewrite is still underway, discussions have focused on:
- Streamlining development review processes
- Modernizing outdated land use categories
- Improving consistency in development standards
- Evaluating residential density allowances
- Reviewing parking requirements
- Updating subdivision standards and review procedures
The public comment period remains open through the end of July, allowing residents, industry professionals and stakeholders to review the proposed changes and provide feedback before the code is finalized.
DMAR encourages members to stay informed and participate in the process, as these updates will help shape housing development across Adams County for years to come.
Jefferson County's Wildfire Resiliency Code Is Now in Effect
Beginning July 1, Jefferson County's updated Wildfire Resiliency Code officially took effect for qualifying properties located within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) in unincorporated Jefferson County. The new regulations are designed to reduce wildfire risk by strengthening building standards and promoting defensible space around homes and structures.
The code applies to:
- New construction
- Building additions
- Roof and siding replacements
- New decks
- Exterior modifications requiring a permit
- Accessory structures larger than 120 square feet
- Short-term rental license applications
Importantly, the requirements apply only to properties located within the designated WUI Overlay in unincorporated Jefferson County.
For Realtors®, understanding these requirements can help buyers, sellers and homeowners navigate future construction or exterior improvement projects. While the code emphasizes wildfire mitigation through fire-resistant materials and defensible space, homeowners are not required to remove all of their trees. Instead, the focus is on thoughtful vegetation management, such as trimming trees, creating appropriate spacing between vegetation and structures and reducing combustible materials near homes.
DMAR will continue monitoring local policy changes that affect homeownership, development and the real estate industry to help keep members informed.
Learn more, including whether a property falls within the WUI Overlay, by visiting Jefferson County's Wildfire Resiliency Code webpage.
Upcoming Denver Housing Resource Fairs
The City and County of Denver is hosting several free Housing Resource Fairs this summer to connect residents with housing programs, financial assistance and educational resources.
Upcoming Dates:
- July 11 | 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM | Rude Recreation Center
- July 25 | 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM | Southwest Recreation Center
- August 8 | 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM | Swansea Recreation Center
- August 22 | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Montbello Recreation Center
- September 5 | 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM | Green Valley Ranch Recreation Center
Attendees can learn about a variety of housing resources, including:
- Rental assistance programs
- Affordable housing opportunities
- Down payment assistance
- Property tax relief
- Tenant and homeowner rights
- Financial planning and credit repair
- Foreclosure and eviction prevention
- HOA and lender foreclosure resources
- Fair housing information
Spanish interpretation will be available at each event, along with representatives from local housing programs, nonprofit housing counseling agencies and community organizations.
Whether you're looking for housing assistance, homeownership resources or simply want to learn more about available programs, these free events offer valuable information for residents across the Denver metro area.
