Earlier today, Governor Jared Polis, alongside state legislators, announced the HOME Act, a new initiative aimed at making housing more accessible and affordable for Coloradans. As depicted in the statement, the proposal seeks to remove restrictions that currently hinder the construction of new homes, particularly near transit and local business areas. "Today’s announcement is a big step in Colorado’s nation-leading work to get government out of the business of blocking new housing, and in doing so unleashing the free market to build more homes Coloradans can afford," Governor Polis stated in a release obtained by the Colorado Governor's Office. This plan includes allowing schools and mission-driven organizations to utilize underused land for community-needed housing.
The HOME Act, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, could provide a novel approach to address the shortage of more than 100,000 homes in the state. "Colorado lacks over 100,000 homes, and we need creative solutions to address this housing shortage," Boesenecker told the Colorado Governor's Office. By reducing red tape and leveraging existing land, the act is projected to promote the development of affordable housing in central areas where people already live, work, and play. A partnership between Housing Catalyst and the Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority serves as a flagship example of this strategy with their Oak 140 project.
Alongside housing initiatives, Governor Polis is also turning attention to the healthcare field. During a meeting with the University of Northern Colorado's leadership, he discussed the progress made towards establishing Colorado's third medical school, to be set at UNC. Funded by HB24-1231, this medical school aims to remedy the shortage of healthcare professionals in the state. "Across the state, and the entire country, we face a dire shortage of healthcare professionals. This new medical school at UNC will create new pathways for students, strengthen our healthcare workforce, and bring talented students to Colorado," Polis expressed, as per the Colorado Governor's Office.
Improvements in education extend to early childhood as well, with the governor celebrating the open enrollment for the 2026-27 Universal Free Preschool program in Greeley. He highlights the benefits families stand to save more than $6,000 per year, a significant financial reprieve. Enrollment for universal preschool is open for the 2026-27 school year. This popular initiative saves families over $6,000 per year on childhood expenses and gives young Coloradans a strong start, Governor Polis stated, according to the Colorado Governor's Office.
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