Housing Money Matters: Why Colorado Must Keep the Funds

Colorado faces a real housing crisis. People can’t afford to live where they work, and the problem spreads to all ages. Young adults hide in basements, older ones struggle to downsize, and families drive farther for jobs. This hurts local roads and makes it hard for employers to find talent. In 2022, voters solved part of the problem. They passed Proposition 123, giving a steady stream of money for homes that match people’s incomes. The vote told lawmakers: invest in housing that lets residents stay in their own communities. Now a new bill, House Bill 1360, would move about $130 million away from that fund. The change worries many city leaders. They say the money is already being used wisely: Broomfield helps people buy homes with down‑payment help; Louisville rewrites its housing code to allow more units; Littleton keeps a cooperative community alive; Aurora builds an 85‑unit affordable complex. These projects were all possible because the state kept the money in place.Financing is the biggest hurdle to building more homes. Rising construction costs, higher interest rates, and needed infrastructure make projects expensive. If the state pulls money from a dedicated source, local governments lose the guarantee they need to plan and build. Zoning changes alone cannot create homes; funding is essential. The leaders’ message is simple: keep Proposition 123 intact. Let local governments have the money and the power to act. When people can afford homes in their neighborhoods, the whole community benefits. The debate is not just about budget lines; it’s about people who keep towns alive.