PUBLIC POLICY COUNCIL

CHAIR

Ryan Klein
Sherman Howard

VICE-CHAIR

Chris Jorgensen
La Plata Communities

STAFF LIAISON

Marla Novak
VP, Government Affairs

THE COUNCIL’S PURPOSE

To increase the industry’s influence on public policy by working with elected officials, government staff and community organizations to foster a positive business climate for all HBA members and to protect housing attainability for our community.

MEETINGS

THE PUBLIC POLICY COUNCIL MEETS THE 2ND THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH, 11:30 AM AT THE HBA. YOU MUST BE A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL TO ATTEND.
For information regarding the HBA Public Policy Council, contact Marla Novak at 719-592-1800 x 114 .

ACTIVE COMMITTEE ITEMS

PLANCOS

The City of Colorado Springs is currently underway with the development of their Comprehensive Plan (PlanCOS), which is a guide for the development and growth of the City. HBA members are actively involved in the development of this plan.

RETOOLCOS | ZONING ORDINANCE UPDATE

The Planning and Community Development Department is managing RetoolCOS, assisted by Clarion Associates, a national land-use consulting firm, an Advisory Committee, and a Technical Committee. The Advisory Committee is comprised of elected and community representatives, including City Council members, HBA (Housing & Building Association) representation, and CONO (Council of Neighborhood Organizations).

ECONOMIC IMPACT

The impact of home construction on the local economy and economic contributions is measured through jobs, associated payroll and economic output. Each year the industry builds new homes to accommodate our growing population and the year-over-year recurring effect magnifies the overall economic impact. In order to help consumers understand the real cost and impact of new home construction in El Paso County, the HBA has published a brochure using data-driven information from NAHB and Summit Economics.

CURRENT ISSUES

COMMUNITY HOUSING AFFORDABILITY TASKFORCE

Currently, Public Policy members are working on a “Missing Middle Housing Plan” and are scheduled to present to City Council on April 25, 2022. This effort is running concurrently with The Affordable Housing Collaborative’s “Housing For All” efforts.

COS ANNEXATION POLICY

The City’s Annexation Policy hasn’t been updated since 2006 and the City is now looking at how to deal with outlying areas that could be destined for city annexation. CSU will need to complete their study to determine what areas they are able and willing to provide service to, before the City can update their annexation policy.

CSU REGIONALIZATION/EXTRA TERRITORIAL SERVICE

CSU staff is working through a series of Water Strategy Workshops with the Board and public. HBA members believe annexation is the best option and will stay active as discussions continue. Members continue to meeting with CSU and City leadership to continue momentum in a forward direction. Defining areas that CSU is able and willing to service is the current focus.

COS EVACUATION PLANNING

The City has responded to the Westside Watch Group’s proposal for a moratorium on housing and ordinance changing Chapter 7 of the code to require an evacuation plan as part of the approval process. The city proposes a change to Chapter 8 instead -Public Safety, instead of adding a new requirement to the development approval process.