BY LIZ TENNYSON
The energy inside the Capitol was electric as nearly 60 industry leaders came together for the Colorado Apartment Association's Day at the Capitol last month, showcasing a powerful future for advocacy for our industry. Attendees arrived ready to engage, learn, and elevate the conversation around the policies shaping housing affordability. The day was a vivid reminder that when housing leaders gather with a shared purpose, their collective voice is both compelling and impactful.
The day opened with an in-depth legislative briefing from Drew Hamrick, who provided a comprehensive overview of the most pressing legislation affecting the multifamily industry. Drew's presentation grounded the day in the reality that the volume and complexity of housing-related bills continue to grow each session. Attendees left with a clear understanding that thoughtful, balanced policymaking is essential, and that excessive regulation can unintentionally drive up costs, restrict housing supply, and ultimately make it harder for residents to find and afford quality homes.
Additionally, members sharpened their advocacy skills with a presentation, led by Kevin Neimond, that focused on how to effectively testify on upcoming legislation. Throughout the day, distinguished guest speakers—including Senator Kyle Mullica, Senator Lisa Frizell, Senator Larry Liston, and Representative Jacque Phillips—shared their perspectives on housing policy and discussed where they align on key industry issues.
These sessions created a valuable forum for members to hear directly from policymakers and ask thoughtful questions, fostering a deeper understanding of the legislative landscape and the opportunities for collaboration on housing solutions. The conversations were collaborative, candid, and centered on a shared goal - ensuring that legislation meaningfully supports both residents and the housing providers working every day to meet Colorado's growing demand.
Throughout the day, the message from industry leaders was clear and urgent: over-regulation in the housing sector is contributing to rising rents and worsening affordability challenges across multifamily housing. During the Legislator Luncheon, Scott Rathbun presented the latest Rent and Vacancy data, giving lawmakers a grounded, real-time look at market pressures.
The day concluded with one-on-one meetings with legislators and a guided tour of the historic Colorado State Capitol dome, leaving attendees energized and unified in their call to action to reduce the volume of new housing regulations, pursue more measured legislation each session, and work collaboratively to protect housing affordability for Colorado residents.
Thank you to all the attendees from AAMD and the Apartment Association of Southern Colorado for attending this special and important event!