Proponents outline plan to rezone Denver near transit and parks for more affordable, sustainable housing

Luke Palmisano, senior legislative policy analyst for the Denver City Council, opened a Jan. 22 review-and-comment hearing on a citizen-initiated ordinance that would rezone parcels within walking distance of transit lines and major parks to permit more affordable and sustainable housing forms.

"We are here for the review and comment hearing for a proposed initiated ordinance rezoning permitting more affordable and sustainable housing forms within walking distance of existing, transit lines and large parks," Palmisano said at the start of the session.

The proponent, David Pardo, told staff the initiative aims to "ensure that Denver zoning allows for more housing near transit stations, transit routes, and major parks" and said the campaign seeks placement on the Nov. 2026 general-election ballot if statutory requirements are met. "We would like to have it on the ballot in November, 2026," Pardo said.

City legislative counsel and assistant city attorneys conducted a line-by-line review and raised legal and implementation questions. Jonathan Griffin, deputy legislative counsel, and Brooks Fordham, an attorney fellow with legislative council, asked whether the measure treats zoning as a legislative action, how it would interact with the Denver zoning code and chapter 59, and how the city would implement rezonings if the initiative passes.

Pardo said the measure is intended as a legislative…