Senate Approves Gonzales, Hinrichsen Bill to Save Coloradans Money on Housing, Support Mobile Home Owners

SB22-160 would invest $35 million to help mobile owners purchase the land they live on

DENVER, CO - As part of Colorado Democrats’ effort to save Coloradans money on housing, the Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Sen. Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, to better support mobile home owners.

SB22-160 would invest $35 million into and create the Mobile Home Park Resident Empowerment Loan and Grant Program Fund, which will provide financing to eligible mobile home homeowners so they can purchase the land under their homes and convert it into a resident-owned community.

“Mobile home parks are Colorado’s closest thing to ‘naturally-occurring’ affordable housing,” Gonzales, Vice Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force, said. “But just like the rest of us, mobile home park residents are feeling the pressure of skyrocketing housing costs. This bill will allow Coloradans to invest in their own communities, own their own homes, and drive down the cost of housing across the state.”

“Every Coloradan deserves a safe, comfortable place to call home, which is why we are working to ensure that mobile homes stay affordable across our state,” said Hinrichsen. “This legislation will provide critical protections for mobile home owners by putting an end to extreme rent hikes, and help mobile home residents get the tools and help they need to buy the land their homes sit on.”

SB22-160 further establishes a mechanism for nonprofits to receive grant funding to provide technical assistance to homeowners and help them build the capacity, resources, and know-how to organize and purchase their mobile home park. 

Additionally, this legislation will provide funding for a critical financial tool to help mobile homeowners across the state at risk of displacement or exorbitant lot rent increases that often occur when a park is sold from one for-profit owner to another.

SB22-160 was developed based on recommendations by the state’s Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force, and will now move to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.