Advocacy Update: Elections, Housing & RPAC

Advocacy remains at the core of protecting the real estate industry, private property rights and housing opportunities across Colorado. Here’s a look at some of the latest updates impacting Realtors® and the communities we serve.

May 18, 2026

DMAR Completes Candidate Interviews Ahead of Primary Election Cycle

As part of DMAR’s ongoing commitment to supporting Realtor® champions at the local level, our Government Affairs Committee recently completed candidate interviews across four counties ahead of the upcoming primary election cycle. Between May 1 and May 6, volunteer interview teams met with seven candidates seeking local office positions. These interviews play an important role in DMAR’s endorsement process, helping identify candidates who understand the value Realtors® bring to their communities and who support policies that promote homeownership, property rights and a strong real estate market. We appreciate the time, insight and dedication of our volunteer interview teams who helped facilitate thoughtful conversations with each candidate. Their work helps ensure DMAR continues making informed endorsement decisions while advocating for issues that matter most to our members and the clients they serve.

Click here to view/download our vert guide, including endorsed candidates and important election information.

Spring Storms Improve Drought Conditions, But Concerns Remain

Recent spring storms brought welcome relief to drought conditions across the Denver metro area and surrounding counties, delivering much-needed rain and heavy, moisture-rich snow to parts of the Front Range. Earlier this month, much of Colorado had fallen into at least moderate drought conditions, with large portions of the state experiencing severe drought. While recent precipitation helped improve conditions in some areas, experts caution that those gains may be temporary.

Forecasters are now predicting rapidly warming temperatures, gusty winds and above-average heat in the coming weeks. Those conditions could quickly melt remaining snowpack, dry out vegetation, and elevate wildfire risk throughout the region.

Although the recent storms were encouraging, Colorado’s long-term water outlook remains a concern as summer approaches. Realtors® are encouraged to stay aware of changing conditions, particularly as drought and wildfire risks can impact communities, homeowners, insurance markets, and housing activity across the Denver metro area.

Castle Rock Revises Development Fee Methodology for New Homes

The Town of Castle Rock has approved a revised methodology for determining fees on new single-family residential development. To establish the updated approach, Castle Rock conducted a study analyzing water usage from approximately 750 homes built between 2023 and 2025. Rather than continuing with flat fees or a fixture-based structure, the town will transition to a tiered system based on home size and actual water demand data.

Under the revised model, smaller homes will generally pay lower system development fees, while larger homes will pay higher fees relative to their infrastructure demand. Town officials stated the change is intended to improve proportionality and support housing attainability.

Castle Rock Water indicated the updated methodology is expected to take effect later this summer, following final fee schedule and implementation updates.

RPAC Update: Advocacy That Protects Your Business

RPAC continues to play a critical role in supporting candidates and policies that protect private property rights and strengthen the real estate industry at the local, state and national levels.

Current RPAC Progress