He also pressed policymakers to be precise in defining what they mean by an“ affordability crisis.” While average rents have remained flat or fallen in real terms, nearly 90 % of low-income renters in Colorado are still considered cost-burdened, spending more than 30 % of their income on housing. At the same time, only about one-quarter of median-income households in Denver can afford to purchase a home.“ Affordability isn’ t a single number,” Wilkerson explained.“ It depends on whether we are looking at rental costs, homeownership access, or the strain on low-income households. Each paints a different picture.”
Throughout the summit, Teo and Michael acknowledged the tension between short-term relief and longterm solutions. Tenant protections and inclusionary zoning policies often aim to help households now, but both speakers cautioned that these measures can unintentionally limit new construction and push rents higher across the board. Instead, experts called for a steady, predictable regulatory environment that encourages ongoing investment in housing. Teo and Michael also stressed that income support measures— such as rental assistance and wage growth— must be part of the affordability equation, since construction alone cannot resolve the crisis overnight.
The summit closed with a shared reminder that Colorado has achieved what few housing markets manage: slowing rent growth in the face of inflation. Yet without sustained construction and careful policymaking, panelists warned, the state risks sliding
2025 HOUSING SUMMIT
backward.“ Adding more chairs is the only way to relieve pressure,” Teo concluded.“ Colorado has shown progress— but keeping housing affordable will require commitment from every corner of the industry and government.”
Liz Tennyson is Government Affairs Manager at Apartment Association of Metro Denver informal Discussion Groups with Legislators was a first for this year housing summit
COLLIN HENDERSON www. aamdhq. org TRENDS OCTOBER 2025 | 13