INTRODUCTION
Dear AAMD Members,
As the( late great Tom Petty) song“ I Won’ t Back Down” goes, so goes the Apartment Association of Metro Denver. As our industry faces numerous challenges – from shifting economic conditions and legislative overreach to rising operational costs, the strength and resolve of our members will carry us through 2026- and we won’ t back down!
Mark T. Williams Executive Vice President
The cover of the 2026 Directory highlights the steps of the Colorado State Capitol, chosen purposefully to symbolize the steps we must take to foster better legislation. Ideally, we want to see fewer and less impactful bills in 2026. Achieving this requires our members to actively engage with lawmakers, advocating for a more rational approach to housing policy. The year ahead is expected to be tough, marked by uncertainties and challenges, including new laws and regulations that may strain our operations, alongside rising costs related to insurance, taxes, labor, and materials. As Tom Petty put it,“ you can stand us up at the gates of hell, but we won’ t back down!”
As always, AAMD is committed to offering exceptional educational programming, professional growth opportunities, regulatory updates, industry information, data reports, and networking platforms. AAMD strives to meet your evolving needs, and we cannot do it without your collaboration. Our shared strength ensures our ability to defend and advance this vital industry. Here are some key statistics reflecting the Metro Denver multifamily housing market:
• 450,777 apartments in Metro Denver contribute $ 9.8 billion in annual rental income.
• 28,000 new units are currently under construction, with an additional 51,000 more in consideration.
• The average rent in the Denver Metro area is $ 1,816($ 2.11 / sq ft), while the estimated effective rent, after concessions and discounts, is $ 1,711.
• The total value of apartment stock in Metro Denver exceeds $ 128 billion.
• In Colorado, there are 620,000 units, housing over 1.2 million residents.
• The average rent across Colorado is $ 1,725($ 1,504 excluding the Denver Metro area), contributing to a total apartment stock valuation of over $ 166 billion.
Our primary focus remains on protecting your business! To enhance our advocacy efforts, we are expanding our government affairs staff. AAMD and CAA have recently updated the latest edition of the Legal Handbook and will continue our Coffee with the Lawyers program. Additionally, AAMD is focused on several initiatives to strengthen the apartment industry in 2026, including:
• Securing new, larger office space for member meetings.
• Expanding our Hands-On Maintenance Education and Maintenance Apprenticeship Program.
• Advancing our partnership with Junior Achievement to nurture future talent and renters.
• Continuing efforts to attract new talent in the industry through ProApartments. com
• Offering our latest Compensation Report, featuring data from 169,753 units and 3,572 participants.
• Investing in Artificial Intelligence to enhance efficiencies and member experiences.
Stay tuned for updates on these programs and more throughout 2026!
We are incredibly grateful for your ongoing support of our industry, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to those members who support this publication through advertising. Your investment makes this invaluable resource possible. We hope the Directory continues to serve as a reliable tool to strengthen your business throughout 2026.
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