The Advocacy Corner | February 2026

February 20, 2026

Protect Housing Opportunity in Lakewood: Why This Election Matters
Last year, Lakewood took an important step forward. City leaders passed pro-housing zoning reform designed to expand housing options and create more pathways to homeownership. It was a thoughtful, balanced approach to increasing supply while preserving neighborhood character and DMAR proudly supported it. Now, that progress is at risk.

Opponents are working to overturn the new zoning code in a special election on April 7. For those who believe in housing opportunity, this vote is critical.

Why This Matters for Lakewood (and Beyond)
Metro Denver is currently short between 64,000 and 135,000 homes. At the same time, existing zoning policies make it harder to close that gap:

92% of residential land allows only single-family housing
Just 3% allows 4+ unit housing
1 in 5 jurisdictions allows no multifamily housing by right

That imbalance limits options for buyers and reduces attainable entry points into homeownership.

“Missing middle” housing - duplexes, triplexes, townhomes and small-scale multifamily - helps create a true housing ladder. It offers attainable price points while maintaining neighborhood character and supporting local businesses.

With anti-growth trends emerging in nearby communities, the outcome of this vote has implications far beyond Lakewood. A win here strengthens pro-housing momentum across the region and statewide.

Election Information
If you live in Lakewood, or have clients, colleagues or family who do, be sure to share the details:

Ballots mailed: March 16–20
Voting begins: March 16
Election Day: April 7

Ballot drop boxes are available throughout Lakewood, including:

Belmar Library
Lakewood Civic Center
Green Mountain Recreation Center
Additional locations across the city

Every vote matters.

Support the Make Lakewood Liveable Campaign
Protecting housing opportunity takes collective effort. A win in Lakewood will send a clear message that our community supports thoughtful, pro-housing solutions.

You can get involved by:

Donating to the campaign
Signing up to volunteer
Sharing accurate information with your network

RPAC Update: Let’s Close the Gap
Advocacy doesn’t stop at one election.

Through RPAC (Realtors® Political Action Committee), we help elect Realtor® Champions, candidates who understand and support real estate issues at the local, state and federal levels.

Here’s where we stand:

Raised: $32,489 of $190,644 goal
Participation: 20.37% (Goal: 37%)
Major Investors: 1 (Goal: 56)

We have work to do, and we can get there together!

RPAC Auction Launches March 12
Our RPAC Auction opens March 12 at 10 AM and closes at the end of the Excellence Awards luncheon on March 26 at 2 PM.

Every voluntary investment strengthens our voice and protects: