The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), through the Division of Local Government (DLG), announced awardees for the first funding cycle of the Housing Planning Grant Program. The new program supports local governments and regional entities in developing actionable Housing Needs Assessments (HNAs), Housing Action Plans (HAPs), and comprehensive plan elements, including water supply and strategic growth elements, compliant with the Sustainable Affordable Housing Assistance law (SB24-174 – C.R.S. §§ 24-32-3701 — 24-32-3711).
Archuleta County and Town of Pagosa Springs received $56,250 to help create their Regional Housing Action Plan, which will address issues outlined in the community’s new Housing Needs Assessment.
“This first funding cycle of the Housing Planning Grant Program marks a significant step forward in supporting our local governments as they work to address housing needs in their communities,” said DOLA Executive Director, Maria De Cambra. “These awards will help local governments develop actionable plans and strategies, promote strategic growth, and create more affordable housing for Coloradans in these 23 jurisdictions.”
The Division awarded a total of $897,619 for 11 projects that support 23 local governments. The funding supports six new Housing Needs Assessments (HNA), three existing HNA revisions, seven new Housing Action Plans (HAP), three new strategic growth elements, and two water supply elements of comprehensive plans. Out of the 11 awarded projects, six were multi-jurisdictional, and several projects included multiple components.
The second round of the Housing Planning Grant (HPLN) Program opens June 9 and closes July 11, 2025. Program guidelines, application materials, and other relevant information are available on the program website, and interested applicants should email Program Manager Ashley Basham to discuss their project.
Other award winners:
Brighton Housing Needs Assessment Update and Action Plan – $46,875
ECCOG Region 5 Housing Needs Assessment Project – $15,000
Fruita Housing Needs Assessment and Housing Plan – $50,000
Gunnison Valley Regional Housing Authority Housing Needs Assessment Update Project – $11,250
City of Central Housing Needs Assessment and Comprehensive Plan Elements – $119,494
Fraser River Valley Housing Partnership Housing Needs Assessment Project – $155,000
City of Alamosa Housing Needs Assessment and Action Plan and Comprehensive Plan Elements – $50,000
Montrose Housing Action Plan and Comprehensive Plan Update Project – $56,250
Town of Ridgway and Ouray County Housing Needs Assessment and Ridgway Housing Action Plan – $75,000
City and County of Denver Housing Needs Assessment Project- $262,500