Citizen Developer

The Denver area is a top-tier real estate market. It gives great returns for national developers and investors, but how do locals fare here? Is housing becoming more broadly affordable? Are neighborhoods becoming stronger? Is local wealth being built? The goal of this group is to address these issues by providing local citizens with the means and the runway to become the developers shaping their own communities. 

Strategy

  • Streamlining Local Development
  • Empowering Grassroots Developers
  • Advocating for Policy Improvements

Current Initiatives

  • Coming soon…

Dive Deeper: Citizen Developer Strategies

Local Changes and Development Impact
  • Evaluate how zoning, building codes, and permitting processes affect housing and commercial development opportunities.
  • Identify hurdles, such as complex permitting or restrictive zoning, and propose actionable changes to clear them.
  • Analyze the implications of local development on affordability, accessibility, and neighborhood character.
Decoding Zoning Codes
  • Break down current zoning codes to understand what is allowed and where.
  • Advocate for zoning updates to support diverse housing types and mixed-use developments.
  • Explore solutions to meet Colorado’s goal of 40 units per acre near transit, such as form-based codes or transit-oriented development incentives.
Streamlining Building Codes
  • Review current building requirements to identify unnecessary regulations, like excessive sprinkler mandates for smaller developments.
  • Advocate for the adoption of single-stair designs and other cost-effective, safety-compliant options to reduce construction barriers.
Reforming Permitting and Approval
  • Map out the current permitting and approval timelines for different project sizes.
  • Push for policies that require faster processing times, pre-approved plan sets, and greater transparency in agency decisions.
Developer’s Toolkit
  • What to Build: Analyze local demand to prioritize projects like family-friendly apartments, studio cottages, or town homes.
  • Plans and Materials: Offer resources for affordable design plans and guidance on material selection suited to Denver’s climate.
  • Financing Options:
    • Share information about construction loans offered by local banks and credit unions.
    • Provide guidance on leveraging Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) loans or cash-out refinancing for property owners considering small-scale development.
Connecting to Expertise
  • Create a directory of reliable local tradespeople and contractors to assist grassroots developers.
  • Provide a roadmap of professionals needed for specific projects, from duplex conversions to new multifamily builds.

Recent Updates

Get in Contact

Initiative Lead: Thomas