Senate Bill 24-174 requires DOLA to create two statewide reports: the Strategic Growth Report (due October 30, 2025) and the Natural Land and Agricultural Opportunities Report (due December 31, 2025). Thank you to everyone who has contributed feedback so far to help shape these important documents.
DOLA is excited to release the first draft documents that will inform the Strategic Growth Report. These drafts will support upcoming focus group meetings and a June 24 webinar hosted by the Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute.
This legislation directs the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to develop a report that analyzes policy-driven land use scenarios, the impact of existing state policies and programs, and regional context. This will inform recommendations that encourage environmentally and fiscally sustainable growth.
Draft Documents for Review
The draft documents (developed with the support of our consultant, ECOnorthwest) can be found below and on DOLA's Statewide Reports webpage. Below is a brief description of each and a link to a feedback form.
Statewide Strategic Growth Report - Chapters 1 and 2 (DRAFT)
This document includes an introduction and a chapter on Colorado's Policy Context for the Strategic Growth Report.
Policy Scan (DRAFT)
This draft Policy Scan provides a high-level overview of policy areas related to strategic growth in Colorado. Its purpose is to spur conversation and gather stakeholder feedback, which will inform the final policy recommendations of the Strategic Growth Report. Please note, these are not policy recommendations themselves. Some policy areas may also be relevant for a "local toolkit" that DOLA will create to assist jurisdictions in developing Strategic Growth elements in Comprehensive Plans.
When reviewing the Policy Scan, we encourage you to provide comments on:
- Which 5 policy areas stand out as being most important for further discussion and analysis in the final report?
- Do you have ideas for final policy recommendations? We are particularly interested in suggestions for:
- Improved data sharing and mapping.
- In-depth studies of specific policy areas.
- Areas where coordination or collaboration can be improved.
- Items that should be included in the "strategic growth local toolkit."
- Other actions within existing state agency authority.
Provide Your Input
If you have your own input to share, we encourage you to submit feedback using the feedback form no later than Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Summary and Next Steps
These documents represent the initial framing for the Strategic Growth Report. Additional analysis will be completed and posted for public review in late summer 2025. Final guidance will be posted on the DOLA website no later than October 31, 2025.
Again, please submit any feedback through the feedback form by Thursday, July 31, 2025. For any questions, please contact Scott Williamson.
We're Here to Help!
Do you have questions about the new laws and impacts to your jurisdiction? Check out our FAQ page or get one-on-one support below:
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