3-2-1 Capitol Connection – April 14, 2026
3 Things to Know
State Budget Passes the House, Goes to the Senate. “Long Appropriations Bill” (House Bill 1410), or Colorado’s annual “Long Bill” establishes the state budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and while it is not specific to housing, it plays an important role in shaping the broader economic conditions that impact the real estate market. The proposal reflects continued growth in state spending, driven largely by rising healthcare costs, which limits flexibility for new investments in housing and affordability initiatives. For REALTORS®, this matters because state budget decisions influence economic stability, consumer confidence, and the availability of funding for infrastructure and local programs that support housing development, all of which can affect supply, demand, and transaction activity across Colorado.
RPAC Engagement Council Shares Why They Invest. Members of the REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC) Engagement Council are dedicated REALTOR® volunteers who help advance the interests of the real estate industry through RPAC and political advocacy. These leaders actively raise awareness and funds by engaging their professional networks, presenting at local associations and boards, and working with brokers to grow participation in the Corporate Ally Program. Their efforts help ensure REALTORS® have a strong, unified voice advocating for policies that protect property rights, promote housing opportunities, and support the business environment that impacts members, their clients, and prospective homeowners.
“Early in my leadership journey at the local board, I was asked to chair the RPAC committee. One Friday morning, as I got up to head to our Board Marketing session, the electricity was off. I couldn’t turn on the lights, make coffee, blow-dry my hair, or see well enough to apply makeup, etc. As I prepared to give my speech on behalf of RPAC, I thought about how much we take electricity for granted and the things it allows us to do without thinking. It dawned on me that RPAC is the same. Those of us who work in this real estate industry every day take for granted our right to do so. Every day we step out in the field to help buyers and sellers; RPAC is working behind the scenes to keep the lights on in our business. We may not always know exactly how it works, but we know it’s there. To me, it’s our insurance policy to keep doing what we love, and when we love something, we invest time and money.” – Lynn Snyder Goetz (Metro District VP – Colorado Association of REALTORS® 2026, South Metro Denver REALTOR® Association)
“I invest in RPAC because it strengthens both my business and my voice in the industry. Getting involved with CAR’s Legislative Policy Committee has given me the chance to build great new relationships with top industry leaders, as well as meet and work directly with elected representatives and senators. I’ve even talked directly with the Governor about housing policy and testified at the Capitol. It has positioned me as a go-to legislative resource in my area, which helps me better support my clients and win more business.” – Brett Weldon (Pikes Peak Association of REALTORS®)
Federal Political Coordinators (FPCs) Advocate for REALTORS®. FPCs are REALTOR® volunteer leaders who build and maintain direct relationships with members of Congress, serving as a critical link between the real estate industry and federal policymakers. Through these relationships, FPCs provide timely insights on housing issues, legislative proposals, and the ongoing need to increase housing supply, ensuring that lawmakers hear directly from professionals who understand the real-world impacts of policy decisions. Their ability to communicate quickly and effectively helps elevate industry priorities and influence conversations happening at the national level.
“I love working as a Federal Political Coordinator, seeing the hands-on work of our industry shape legislation that will benefit real estate for generations to come. The ability to see rapid results from personal emails, text messages and phone calls is amazing and it’s because of the respect the National Association of Realtors has at the nation’s capital. My member of Congress is very responsive and always appreciates hearing directly from a professional in the housing industry.” – Paige Haderlie, NAR Federal Political Coordinator for Congressman Jeff Hurd, Glenwood Springs Association of Realtors.
FPCs will be flying into Washington D.C. for Realtor Legislative Meetings from June 13th to June 18th.
2 Things to Share
Wildfire Code Update Bill Fails in Committee. A proposal to “Modify Standards of Wildfire Resiliency Code Board” (HB 1334) was defeated in committee on April 7, failing on a close 7–6 vote. The bill would have made several changes to the existing statute, including requiring an earlier review of the statewide wildfire code, expanding who could petition for modifications, and extending the timeline for local governments to adopt compliant codes by an additional year.
With the bill’s defeat, current law remains in place—meaning local jurisdictions are still expected to adopt wildfire codes by April 1, 2026, and be fully compliant by July 1, 2026. Testimony throughout the hearing underscored the significance of the existing policy, with fire service professionals emphasizing it as one of the most impactful steps the state has taken toward improving wildfire resilience. At the same time, concerns were raised that further delays could create uncertainty in the housing pipeline, particularly as builders navigate inspection timelines and liability considerations.
Ultimately, the conversation reflected broader tension around implementation—balancing the need for preparedness with concerns about capacity and cost—while reinforcing that the current timeline will move forward as adopted.
Is RPAC on the Agenda? Does your local association have an upcoming member meeting or event? CAR’s RPAC Engagement Council wants to help your local association have a dedicated RPAC component at any event to highlight what advocacy means for members and the broader consumer public. No other group advocates for homeownership and housing supply the way your association does daily.
Need an expert volunteer? Contact govaffairs@coloradorealtors.com and CAR Government Affairs staff and division volunteers can explore ways to support your local board.
1 Thing to Do
Stop higher land taxes for property taxes. Take action today to oppose HB 1119 “Authority for Different Mill Levy Rates”, which allows local governments to tax land at a higher rate than the improvements (structures) built on it, fundamentally changing Colorado’s property tax system. HB 1119 undermines fairness and uniformity in our property tax system. The bill creates clear inequities between owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied housing. By lowering taxes on high-density structures while increasing taxes on properties with more unused land, such as single-family homes, the proposal unintentionally favors rental housing over homeownership. Long-time owners, retirees, and those on fixed incomes could face higher property taxes based solely on land value, potentially forcing them to sell. First-time buyers and participants in affordable housing programs may also be priced out of established communities. It also introduces significant administrative challenges, increasing assessment appeals and straining local governments, particularly in smaller communities.
HB 1119 is scheduled to be heard on Thursday, April 16th, so take action today to help defeat this proposal.
NAR
HUD Announces Housing Counseling Funding with New Limits to Eligible Activities
HUD’s Office of Housing Counseling recently announced approximately $56.1 million in funding that HUD-certified housing counseling agencies can apply for, with roughly 175 awards anticipated.
White House Releases Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2027
On Friday, April 3, the White House released its fiscal year 2027 budget proposal, which suggests to Congress the preferred funding levels for a wide range of discretionary agency spending.
Appraisers: Consider Serving on an NAR Committee
Through NAR, committees, agents, brokers, and appraisers have the opportunity to work together on critical industry and association issues. There may just be a committee that needs your experience and perspective.