Committee backs bill letting faith institutions and schools seek streamlined review to build housing on small parcels

The Senate Local Government and Housing Committee voted 4‑3 to advance House Bill 11‑69, a bill that creates a streamlined administrative review pathway for faith‑based organizations, schools and certain educational institutions to develop up to five acres of land for residential use. Sponsors and supporters said the measure will unlock underutilized land to produce affordable housing; opponents warned it broadly preempts local land‑use control and leaves insufficient safeguards against misuse.

Sponsor remarks and proponents’ testimony emphasized the opportunity posed by vacant church and school land. Senator Xochitl Axum (sponsor) said the measure “allows for churches, religious organizations, and also public schools and universities to develop up to 5 acres of their own land for affordable housing projects.” Zack Martinez, director of policy and advocacy at Gary Advocacy, told the committee Colorado is roughly 100,000 homes short and that existing administrative burdens routinely derail projects. Peter LaFari, CEO of Maker Housing Partners, said the bill provides predictable review that reduces cost and delay and helps projects progress to construction.

Supporters included affordable‑housing nonprofits, faith…