Today, Governor Jared Polis, Mayor Mike Johnston, the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA), the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT), and Denver’s Department of Housing Stability (HOST) announced the launch of Housing Hub Colorado. This initiative aims to streamline the process for developers applying for affordable rental housing tax credits and related public funds.
Governor Polis stated, “Colorado is breaking down barriers to more housing people can afford and this one-stop shop will help make that possible in more communities across our state. This effort will save people, and local communities, time and money when building new homes in Colorado.”
Mayor Johnston emphasized the urgency: “There is no greater need in Denver and Colorado than affordable housing, and no greater obstacle to our success than time. I’m proud to partner with Gov. Polis and the top minds in this space to get shovels in the ground sooner, build smarter, and ensure Denverites can keep living in the city they love.”
Housing Hub Colorado seeks to reduce both time and costs for developers by bringing together key agencies under a coordinated application timeline. According to a recent survey conducted among those who have applied for housing tax credits within two years, 85% identified a statewide common application as the main opportunity for improvement in funding applications for affordable housing projects. Additionally, 65% reported that seeking multiple gap funding sources significantly affects project timelines and risks.
The initiative results from collaboration between state agencies and local partners aiming to cut bureaucratic red tape while improving efficiency for developers across Colorado. The effort was launched through the Colorado Housing Consortium—formed by BuildStrong Foundation with support from McKinsey & Company earlier this year—which includes over 100 participants from various sectors.
Maria De Cambra, Executive Director of DOLA, said: “We are focused on cutting red tape to save time and money. Ultimately, we want to create the Amazon of affordable housing finance in our state and make it as easy as possible to build, with the hopes that it saves money for Coloradans.”
Thomas Bryan, Executive Director and CEO of CHFA added: “CHFA’s mission to strengthen Colorado by investing in affordable housing and community development thrives on collaborative partnerships with organizations dedicated to the same goals. Housing Hub Colorado marks an inspiring leap forward to boost efficiency and coordination while supporting the creation of more affordable homes for communities across our state.”
Eve Lieberman, OEDIT Executive Director commented: “A strong economy depends on good-paying jobs and housing Coloradans can afford. By simplifying the process of applying for funding, we are reducing time and cost burdens for communities and developers and accelerating the creation of homes near jobs and industry. We are proud to work with so many dedicated partners across the housing space to strengthen Colorado’s competitiveness, support local employers, and help Coloradans live in the communities they love.”
Pat Hamill from BuildStrong Foundation said: “Fragmented processes and layering of requirements across government agencies can cause tremendous delays for builders when navigating funding related to affordable housing. Housing Hub Colorado is the first step to accelerate housing development across Colorado. It’s exciting to see what happens when we come together as a housing sector to push forward solutions.”
Jamie Van Leeuwen at BuildStrong Foundation noted: “We heard it loud and clear from developers, removing barriers and accelerating delivery is one of their biggest priorities. Housing Hub Colorado will make it easier for developers to turn plans into homes… We should be proud of the progress the Housing Consortium has made in just months, not years.”
Phase 1 launches immediate improvements such as a centralized website sharing resources about rental developments seeking tax credits or gap funding; an aligned budget spreadsheet used by CHFA, DOLA,and HOST; standardized narrative questions; streamlined pre-application steps;and unified timelines—all designed to reduce administrative burden.
Phase 2 will develop a full common application expected by 2026 alongside further alignment among agencies’ requirements,and expansion into additional programs including homeownership opportunities.
This multi-agency approach intends to meet increasing demand for affordable homes statewide through improved coordination among stakeholders.
