Bill to Increase Affordable Housing Passes Senate

HB25-1006 would allow school districts to pursue long-term leases for renewable energy or affordable housing projects

DENVER, CO – A bill to help meet Colorado’s climate goals, reduce energy costs, and increase affordable housing opportunities passed the Senate today.

HB25-1006, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, and Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, would provide school districts the flexibility to pursue long-term leases for affordable housing projects, solar fields, and energy storage systems.

"This bill continues our work to make Colorado more affordable and find innovative ways to bring down the cost of housing,” said Bridges. "It just makes sense to let schools use land they already own for housing that's affordable for their teachers and other hardworking people in their community."

“This bill is a targeted update to give school districts the opportunity to pursue long-term projects that serve our communities, like providing affordable housing for their own educators or creating a community solar garden,” said Kolker. “It provides the flexibility school districts need to meet their communities’ housing and renewable energy needs.”

Under current law, school districts can only lease their land for up to ten years, which can hinder bids from investors or developers looking for longer-term leases. This bill would eliminate the ten year limit so school districts have more opportunities to lease their land for long-term, community-focused renewable energy or housing projects.

HB25-1006 now heads back to the House for consideration of amendments. Track its progress HERE.