3-2-1 Capitol Connection – February 14, 2025
3 Things to Know
Housing Bill Heads to the Governor: House Bill 1019 “Third-Party Administration of Division of Housing Programs” allows outside groups like nonprofits to help administer programs that provide a number of services including rental assistance, housing vouchers, and case management for individuals at risk of homelessness – is set to be signed by the Governor. These programs will provide direct support to individuals and grants and loans to nonprofits, local governments, tribal groups, and private entities to uplift this work. We are proud that this was among the first of this session’s bills that our Association supported and the first of those we supported that is heading to the Governor’s desk.
Colorado Connections. CAR’s “Colorado Connections” (formerly Spring Summit) is happening April 1-3 this year. Registration for this reformatted event, with up to 12 hours of Continuing Education credit available, closes March 12th.If attending this event, register for the “Colorado Proud RPAC Reception” on Tuesday, April 1st. Tickets are only $38 for the 38th state, and you receive your own custom Colorado lanyard if you invest $300 by pledging to become a Major Investor for 2025! Trust us, the custom purple Colorado lanyards have been the envy at events so far.
National Advocacy. Federal Political Coordinators (FPCs) are the direct connection between members of Congress and Realtors®. CAR proudly supports our FPC team of distinguished volunteer members who advocate for NAR’s legislative priorities to increase housing supply and particularly, for the 119th Congress – tax reform that works for homeownership. Paige Haderlie, FPC for Congressman Jeff Hurd, said she is an FPC “because it allows everyday Realtors, like myself, to bring the real experience of our clients and colleagues to life in a very real way, creating influence with their representatives.” April Andrews, FPC for Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen said she is an FPC because “this role allows me to be a strong voice for our industry, ensuring that our congressional representatives have the facts they need to make informed decisions.”
Each U.S. Senator and Representative from Colorado has an FPC. To learn more please email govaffairs@coloradorealtors.com.
2 Things to Share
Colorado Needs Starter Homes. For every 14 new apartments, there is only 1 condo in recent years. Coloradans need entry-level housing, but a litigious environment prevents the industry from bringing this product to market. CAR proudly supports legislation to encourage entry-level condominium development to give more people the opportunity to have stable and meaningful housing that confers intergenerational wealth benefits. If you are interested in testifying before the Colorado General Assembly to tell legislators why this is the right move for Colorado, please sign up using our forms in English or Spanish. You can share the links with your networks and clients.
RPAC Dollars At Work. Last fall, CARPAC Trustees approved a local funding request by the Grand Junction Area REALTORS® Association (GJARA) to challenge Grand Junction’s pursuit of increasing impact fees and imposing a new linkage fee on development. GJARA was able to commission a study to counter the city’s official study in support of fees. The fight continues on this issue, and RPAC dollars have helped GJARA push back on fees that will make housing less affordable in the area.
1 Thing to Do
Call for Action on REALTOR® Safety. Last year, a bill passed that jeopardizes the use of identity verification systems such as Forewarn. If not fixed before the legislative session ends in May, a REALTOR® who uses an identity verification app including Forewarn could face steep penalties in 2026 if they choose for safety reasons to not show a property to a stranger. It could be considered denying someone a housing opportunity and lead to a claim against a REALTOR® of an unfair or deceptive trade practice, which E&O insurance may not cover.
Take action today and urge your legislators to fix the definitions in last year’s Senate Bill 24-205 and REALTORS® to work safely by verifying identities before engaging with strangers.
NAR
Nearly 90% of Metro Areas Registered Home Price Gains in Fourth Quarter of 2024
Almost 90% of metro markets (201 out of 226, or 89%) experienced home price increases in the fourth quarter of 2024, as the 30-year fixed mortgage rate ranged from 6.12% to 6.85%, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ latest quarterly report. Fourteen percent of the 226 tracked metro areas posted double-digit price gains over the same period, up from 7% in the third quarter.
NAR Congratulates Scott Turner on Senate Confirmation as Next HUD Secretary
“His work on the Opportunity Zone Program especially illustrates his commitment to finding economic opportunities for low-income communities to assist the individuals that live within them. NAR is eager to work with Mr. Turner to further HUD’s mission to expand homeownership in America and create strong, sustainable communities.”
4 Ways NAR Membership Powers REALTOR® Success
Advocacy teams at every level of the federated organization—local, state and national—work around the clock to make sure members have a voice in the halls of power, whether that’s city hall, the statehouse or Congress.