Statewide Reports

DOLA will lead and publish a statewide Strategic Growth Report (by October 31, 2025) and a Vital Landscapes and Resources Report, a.ka. Natural Lands and Agricultural Interjurisdictional Opportunities Report, (by December 31, 2025) in consultation with a variety of stakeholders as directed under SB24-174.

Beginning January 1, 2026, state law requires local and regional planning commissions to consider these two statewide reports (in addition to applicable housing needs assessments and the Colorado Water Plan) when adopting or amending a comprehensive/master plan where applicable or appropriate (per C.R.S. 30-28-106(3)(a.3) and C.R.S. 31-23-206(1.3)(c)).

Strategic Growth Report

In 2024, the Colorado Legislative Assembly adopted several pieces of legislation around housing, land use, water, and other related issues One of these laws, SB24-174, directs the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to submit a Strategic Growth Report to the state legislature by October 31, 2025. The law states that the report must include two major elements: 

• a land use scenario analysis
• land use policy recommendations

With this analysis, the Strategic Growth Report is intended to further a statewide conversation on the intersections between housing, transportation, infrastructure, water; and why the way we grow is important to the affordability and sustainability of Colorado. In developing the Strategic Growth Report, the law directs DOLA to consider the context of communities and consult widely with a range of stakeholders. The law also states that jurisdictions should consult the Strategic Growth Report in developing a Strategic Growth Element in Comprehensive Plans. The final version of this report will include a "Local Policy Toolkit" section to support jurisdictions in this effort.

Vital Landscapes and Resources Report

SB24-174 directs DOLA to prepare a “Natural Lands and Agricultural Interjurisdictional Opportunities Report” by December 31, 2025. The law references a broad set of natural, agricultural, and cultural assets, emphasizing both connectivity and preservation. To streamline communications and avoid confusion with the more limited phrase 'natural lands and agricultural interjurisdictional opportunities,' the term 'vital landscapes and resources' was adopted as a succinct, encompassing alternative.

SB24-174 directs counties and municipalities to consider this report, where applicable and appropriate, when adopting or amending a comprehensive plan. Based on the direction in this law, DOLA is working with partners to develop an accessible, actionable resource for local governments and regional entities, including Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), to identify and plan for Colorado's vital landscapes and resources. The report will identify opportunities for shared stewardship through a local and regional planning guide and a toolbox of best practices.

Colorado is characterized by a strong connection between vibrant neighborhoods and
communities, a strong economy, clean water, abundant wildlife, productive agriculture, and cultural heritage which provides a high quality-of-life for generations. 

As communities grow they experience increased pressure on these vital landscapes and resources, emphasizing the importance of interjurisdictional approaches to maintaining the landscapes, resources, and quality of life into the future.

Protection of open space, waterways, cultural resources, recreation, wildlife habitat, and agricultural lands continues to be a high community interest and priority. Therefore, thinking strategically about growth opportunities while conserving finite natural resources is critical to maintaining the quality of life, economically vitally, and landscape residents desire. This approach can enhance past investments in conservation by strategically connecting high priority landscapes for the benefit of Coloradans who love to recreate and wildlife that share our need for room to roam.