In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the current state of housing development in the area, revealing a significant shift towards multifamily and attached housing units. The conversation highlighted that, as proposed, the majority of new developments will consist of townhomes and multifamily apartments, with only one single-family project currently in the permitting stage. This comes amid plans for approximately 33,000 new housing units, a substantial increase given the existing population of around 45,000 residents.

The meeting also addressed upcoming changes to zoning laws, specifically the proposal to allow duplexes in all neighborhood zones, a move that has sparked debate among officials. Some expressed concerns that rapid development could lead to negative impacts on community quality and property values, suggesting that the focus on quantity may compromise the quality of housing being built.

Participants discussed the broader implications of housing affordability in Colorado, attributing the crisis to a combination of factors, including rising interest rates and a backlog of available homes due to demographic shifts. The conversation underscored the tension between maintaining property values through zoning laws and the urgent need for more affordable housing options.

A public review period for the proposed code amendments will begin on Monday, leading up to a combined study session with the city council and planning commission scheduled for October 22. This session aims to gather feedback and direction on how to proceed with the proposed changes, which could significantly reshape the local housing landscape.