July 2026 HBAWCO Governmental Affairs Update

Governmental Affairs Update

July 12, 2026

Joint Grand Junction/Mesa County Housing Action Plan.   The City Council will hear and discuss the proposed Housing Action Plan at the Workshop on Monday, July 13^th.  It does appear that the actions suggested are a bit broader in terms of addressing housing needs across a wider spectrum than their previous plan.  To view the plan go to City Council Packet – 2026 – July 13 – Workshop (2).pdf: 

• Why This Matters:  As noted in the workshop packet Executive Summary, this Housing Action Plan will serve as the foundation for future housing policy discussions, program development and funding decisions for years to come.

Housing Affordability Task Force.  The Housing Affordability Task Force has three recommendations that will be acted upon this week by the City Council and GJ Planning Commissions.  They include: 

1. An amendment to significantly weaken the code sections related to Significant Trees will be presented at the Planning Commission on Tuesday, July 14^th. Staff is opposed to this change.
2. The City Council at its regular meeting on July 15^th will consider two proposed code changes.  The first is to delay implementation of the requirement for CIDs (Certified Irrigation Designer) which is probably not going to be viewed as controversial and was approved by the Planning Commission on 7-0 vote.  The second proposed code change relates to bicycle storage.  Both staff and the Planning Commission are recommending approval.  However, the vote at Planning Commission was 4-3 and it is anticipated that there will be considerable opposition from the “bicycle lobby.”  There is a need for housing advocates to show up and speak up during the public hearing phase for this proposed ordinance.

• Why this Matters.  The City Council has made affordable housing a priority and a majority of city council members are favorably inclined to make changes based on industry recommendations to the process and the code that will help lessen the regulatory burden and costs locally on housing.  However, they need to supporters to these changes.

2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC) Enforcement became effective on July 1, 2026.  Ground-Truthing is a formal process for verifying and updating the Colorado Wildfire Risk Assessment Fuels Map and any local WUI designations are accurate and reflect current conditions.  The City of Grand Junction Fire Department has prepared a manual for how to comply with the code and process for ground truthing.  It can be found at Microsoft Word – Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code Guidence Document_vJune 11 2026_DRAFT STAMP.docxt 

• Why This Matters. CWRC requires structurally fire resistant materials which will drive up the costs of new home construction and existing home remodels which are significant in various areas of the Grand Valley.

AMGD.  Andy Amboussie with the Colorado River District provided and update on the current drought conditions pertaining to the Colorado River along with an update of the status to acquire the Shoshone Water Rights and the status of negations at the Colorado River Compact which is charged with having a new operating agreement in place by September 1^st. 

• Why this Matters.  Water is crucial for development and it is important to stay informed.  CE credits are available for anyone wishing to attend the Annual Water Conference at CMU on September 18^th.  To register go to: 2026 Annual Water Seminar – “ The River Ahead” – Sept 18, Grand Junction – Registration now open  

SWMM Update.  HBA representatives continue to push for more stakeholder involvement and feedback prior to publishing chapters for comments by the public along with the opportunity to review past chapters submitted.  Right now, the “update” is predicted to be completed by late this year but appears to be headed for a delay.

• Why this Matters.  Requirements in the SWMM affect the process and price of new home construction.

21^st Century Road to Housing Bill.  This bi-partisan bill became law with President Trump’s signature on July 11^th.  To expand the housing supply, the bill streamlines environmental reviews and accelerates the construction timeline. It provides funding to local governments that increase housing production, including directing Community Development Block Grant dollars to areas building homes at rates above the median. The bill also allocates new resources for converting abandoned infrastructure into housing and outlines a framework for communities seeking to update outdated zoning rules that restrict larger developments.

• Why this Matters.  This is the most significant piece of federal bill related to housing that has been enacted in the last 30 years.  It will speed up environmental review times and provide incentives for building homes among a host of other benefits. 

WCHI.  The Western Colorado Housing Initiative, hosted a donor meeting on July 5^th to discuss accomplishments and future direction for the organization in advocating for policies and elected leaders that will help increase housing stock.  Overall, the effort will focus on more messaging around housing policy along with applauding its champions and pointing out its detractors.  It will also work to identify future leaders for various local elected boards and commissions.

• Why it Matters.  The value of having industry friendly elected officials cannot be overstated as evidence by recent City Council actions.  There are community activists already working to ensure the three seats up for election in 2027 are held by progressives.  Anti-development messaging is on the rise in local media and there has to be a counterbalance if members of the housing industry are going to continue to be successful in helping residents attain the American Dream of Home Ownership.

Garfield County Housing Summit.  Plans are underway for the next annual Garfield County Housing Summit, September 2^nd, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Ute Theatre in Rifle.  HBA is a co-host.  The format will be a combination of presentations and table discussions around housing affordability measures that may move the needle.  Please save the date and more information will be forthcoming next month.

• Why it Matters.  Housing Affordability across the Western Slope is of concern to realtors, builders and developers.  Collaborative efforts and the sharing of what “works” will benefit the entire economic region.