HB24-1313: Housing in Transit-Oriented Communities

• Establishes the "State Land Use Criteria for Strategic Growth Act" to increase housing density in transit-oriented communities across Colorado, addressing housing affordability and supply shortages.

• Requires local governments in metropolitan planning organizations with populations of 4,000+ to designate transit centers with minimum net housing density of 15 units per acre and implement administrative approval processes for multifamily residential projects.

• Creates a $35 million Transit-Oriented Communities Infrastructure Grant Program to help certified communities fund infrastructure and regulated affordable housing projects in transit centers and neighborhood centers.

• Mandates local governments develop affordability and displacement mitigation strategies by December 31, 2026, selecting from state-developed menus of options such as inclusionary zoning, density bonuses, and community land trusts.

• Requires Department of Local Affairs to publish transit area maps by September 30, 2024, identify certified transit-oriented communities, and provide technical assistance; communities must submit housing opportunity goal reports by December 31, 2026, to qualify for state funding and programs.