News Article

New Housing Opportunity Goal Parcel Dataset and Interactive Map

DOLA has published an updated parcel dataset to support jurisdictions with calculating their Housing Opportunity Goal. The parcel dataset includes several exemptions already marked using the best available data known to DOLA. Local governments are not required to use this dataset – it’s simply meant to help jurisdictions save time if they choose to use it, or might be useful to compare against locally prepared parcel data. These resources can be found on the TOC webpage, and at the links below:

DOLA Releases New Multilaw Applicability Web App to Support Colorado Communities

The Community Development Office at the Department of Local Affairs' (DOLA) Division of Local Government just launched an additional interactive tool to help Colorado local governments understand and implement the 2024 land use and housing legislation, fulfilling a critical need expressed by several different interest groups.

Best Practices in Parking Management Webinar

Please join us on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 12-1 p.m. for a webinar highlighting the findings from DOLA's new resource "Best Practices in Parking Management Strategies for Colorado Communities," which details various strategies to manage parking demand and supply, including several case studies from Colorado and around the country.

Walk-through Training Recordings and Slides Posted for Housing Opportunity Goal Calculation Tool and Transit Center Calculation Model

DOLA has posted slides and recordings of webinars for two separate walk-throughs of tools designed to assist jurisdictions subject to HB24-1313 (Transit Oriented Communities).

DOLA Natural Lands and Agricultural Opportunities Report: Local/Regional Focus Group

Local and regional governments will be asked to consider opportunities for preservation and connectivity of high priority lands and landscapes in future strategic growth and comprehensive planning. In order to provide applicable, useful information back to local and regional governments for use in current and long-range planning efforts, we will be doing a round of focus groups.

Colorado Resiliency Office Launches Guidance for Local Climate Adaptation

The Colorado Resiliency Office collaborated with the Governor’s Office of Climate Preparedness and Recovery and many other State agency partners to develop guidance across six sectors to support local governments in identifying tangible ways in which they can take action.

DOLA Publishes Updated Guidance and Tools for HB24-1313 Transit Oriented Communities

Full Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) Guidance Published On February 28, 2025 DOLA published the Full TOC Law Guidance. This version expands upon the first two sections of guidance published in October of 2024. Previously, draft versions of most sections of the guidance were published for public comment. DOLA may update this guidance in the future, and will document any updates. Comments and questions are welcome by email or the form on DOLA’s Land Use and Housing webpage.

Housing Needs Assessment Review Webinar - March 12, 2025

Local government representatives and consultants are invited to a webinar on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Hosted by DOLA’s Community Development Office, this is a chance to learn more about completing a Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) as required by SB24-174. HNAs must be completed by December 31, 2026.

The webinar will cover:

Transit Oriented Communities guidance: New Draft Sections Published for Comment

DOLA released Sections 1 and 2 of the TOC Guidance in October 2024, which provide an overview of the TOC law that is intended for a general audience. A new draft of Section 3 of the TOC Guidance published today supplements this by providing more detailed interpretive guidance intended to assist practitioners with implementation of the law. This interpretive guidance includes the factors with which DOLA will determine compliance with the law.

Sustainable Affordable Housing Assistance Grant Program Guidelines Available for Public Comment

The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), with funding from SB24-174, offers state assistance to local governments and regional entities to promote the development of housing need assessments, housing action plans, and comprehensive plans compliant with state law.