To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
Through: David L. Corliss, Town Manager
From: Tara Vargish, PE, Director, Development Services
Brad Boland, AICP, Planning Manager, Development Services
Title
Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to File an Affordable Housing Commitment with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs Pursuant to Proposition 123 and Acknowledging the Town’s Commitment to Work Collaboratively with Other Douglas County Local Governments to meet Affordable Housing Goals
Body
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Executive Summary
Town staff recommends continued participation in Colorado’s Proposition 123 through the 2027-2029 cycle, with a commitment of 250 affordable housing units. Participation preserves access to state funding for qualifying housing projects and programs and continues the Town’s regional approach through the Douglas County Housing Partnership (DCHP).
The Town expects to fall short of its individual 2024-2026 commitment, however should receive excess unit credits from fellow DCHP members to meet the commitment. This is the purpose of the regional intergovernmental agreement (IGA): jurisdictions jointly support affordable housing throughout Douglas County and share eligible credits when housing production exceeds a member’s commitment.
Staff requests three Council actions at this time: provide direction supporting DCHP’s proposed distribution of excess credits for 2024-2026; authorize the Town Manager to file the Town’s 250-unit commitment for 2027-2029; and direct staff and the Town Manager to finalize, administratively adopt, and implement a compliant fast track review policy by December 31, 2026. Council would authorize administrative adoption and future procedural updates, similar to the Town’s Development Procedures Manual.
Participation in Proposition 123 does not require any changes to or supersede any local zoning regulations. Failure to meet the Proposition 123 commitment would not impose a financial penalty or other obligation on the Town; the only consequence would be ineligibility for Proposition 123 funding for the following calendar year.
Budget Impact
Participation does not itself appropriate Town funds or require the Town to finance construction of 250 units. It maintains access to applicable Proposition 123 funding opportunities. Staff will administer the expedited review process within the Town’s development review operations.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that Town Council take the following actions:
1. Provide direction to the Town’s DCHP representatives to support DCHP’s proposed method for distributing excess 2024-2026 Proposition 123 credits, including the recipient and contribution orders described in this memorandum and application of that method to final documented qualifying unit counts.
2. Authorize the Town Manager to file a commitment with DOLA for 250 affordable housing units during the 2027-2029 Proposition 123 cycle and continue the Town’s participation in the regional DCHP partnership.
3. Direct staff and the Town Manager to finalize, administratively adopt, and implement a compliant affordable housing fast track review policy by December 31, 2026, and authorize the Town Manager to update the procedures as needed, consistent with state law and the Municipal Code.
Proposed Motion
“I move to approve the Resolution as introduced by title.”
Alternative Motions
“I move to approve the Resolution as introduced by title, with the following conditions: (list conditions).
“I move to continue this item to the Town Council meeting on (date) to allow additional time to (list information needed).”
Attachments
Attachment A: Resolution
Attachment B: DCHP Joint Management of Proposition 123 Credits Letter