Statewide Reports
DOLA will lead and publish a statewide Strategic Growth Report (by October 31, 2025) and a 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.
Based on the statute language in SB24-174, DOLA defines strategic growth as:
“a fiscally and environmentally sustainable approach to land use planning, housing, community well-being, and infrastructure that promotes the development or redevelopment of vacant and underutilized infill parcels, and mitigates the need for extensions of infrastructure and public services into natural and agricultural lands.”
- Policy recommendations to encourage fiscally and environmentally sustainable growth
- Analyze land use scenarios of future growth
- Broad engagement process
- Consider the context of different regions and communities
- Empower and promote local initiatives and ideas
- January 2025: Launch Focus Groups
- February 2025: March, Defining Inputs, Developing Scenarios
- April 2025: July, Scenario Modeling and Policy Evaluation
- August 2025: September, Finalizing Report, Creating Guidance
- October 31, 2025: DOLA publishes statewide Strategic Growth Report
- Draft statewide Strategic Growth Report for public comment (pending)
- Strategic Growth Report Webinar
Natural Lands and Agricultural Interjurisdictional Opportunities Report
SB24-174 directs DOLA to prepare a “Natural Lands and Agricultural Interjurisdictional Opportunities Report” by December 31, 2025. The intent is to work with partners to develop an accessible report for local governments and implementing organizations, including Metropolitan Planning Organizations, involving the vital landscapes and resources outlined in the legislation. 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.
The legislation requires the report to evaluate of opportunities for achieving:
- Connectivity to open space, wildlife habitat, and other priority landscapes
- Preservation of agricultural land, historic and cultural resources, urban parks, and green spaces, exurban open spaces, recreational resources, wildlife habitats, and ecosystems with the greatest need for conservation and mitigation of hazards
- January 2025: Launch Engagement
- February - March 2025: Resource Sharing, State Agency Focus Groups
- April 2025: Literature Review and Local Government/Regional Entity Focus Groups
- May-June 2025: Analysis and Report Compilation (create a draft Planning Guide and Toolbox)
- July - August 2025: Refine Draft Report with Input from State Agencies, Focus Group Participants and Land Use Survey Results
- September - November 2025: Review Period on Final Report
- Input from state agencies, stakeholder feedback, and posted for public review
- December 31, 2025: DOLA publishes Natural Land and Agricultural Interjurisdictional Opportunities Report (Planning Guide and Toolbox)
- Draft Natural Land and Agricultural Interjurisdictional Opportunities Report (Planning Guide and Toolbox) for public comment (pending)