DENVER - A recent study by AARP and Pew, focusing on housing challenges faced by aging Americans. This new study looked at a number of housing reforms studying their popularity and impact on the housing needs of aging Americans. “Colorado is the best state in the nation to live out your golden years. This study shows that housing reforms we have already taken here in Colorado are broadly popular, will help increase housing supply, and help address the housing challenges faced by older Coloradans. I am proud of our nation-leading work and I look forward to continuing these efforts to build more housing now, save Coloradans money, and increase options allowing Coloradans of all ages to live where we want,” said Governor Polis.
This new study found that land use reforms, many of which Colorado has already addressed or proposed, are broadly popular across many age groups but also especially among seniors.
Of individuals surveyed who are 65 years or older:
- 82% support allowing more housing by transit and job centers. Governor Polis signed HB24-1313 - Housing in Transit-Oriented Communities in May 2024.
- 79% support allowing dorms and affordable housing on college or church land. Governor Polis called for this reform in his 2025 State of the State address.
- 82% support allowing commercial to residential conversions. The State recently invested $5.3 million in the Denver Dry Goods, a historic renovation project downtown.
- 88% support simplified and faster permitting. Governor Polis previously took executive action to speed up grant and loan approval for housing.
- 66% support allowing apartments over garages and in backyards. Governor Polis signed a law allowing Coloradans to build Accessory Dwelling Units.
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