Polis’ sweeping land use proposal will be back

Cross Currents

Do n’t doubt for a minute that Governor Polis and the Democrat legislative leadership have given up on their idea to create so-called a ordable housing opportunities through usurping local government zoning and land use powers.

A 2024 legislative priority will be somewhat similar to the version that experienced pushback by both Democrats and Republicans in the nal hours of the 2023 session. Perhaps, the next bill won’t have so many components to it that generate as much opposition.

However, the basic idea of dictating apartment zoning regardless of the local government’s comprehensive land use plan’s density restrictions will still be a “nonstarter” with local governments. Plus, state o cials need to realize they must address the whole water supply component when pushing for high density developments.

Finally, if Polis and the legislative leadership think they can dictate actions to provide “a house for every budget” they are simply naïve and disingenuous. While it may be a catchy political slogan, in reality, it will not happen.

As for the accessory dwelling units (ADU’s) rule change which was pushed as a part of the package, some cities already allow them. Little interest in ADU’s has been experienced.

Debt ceiling increase and budget cuts should not be about winners and losers e debate and negotiations on raising the federal debt ceiling should have and could have had far less drama and rhetoric.

President Biden should have been receptive to negotiating with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy much sooner. Biden was naïve if he thought he could get the debt ceiling increased without supporting budget cuts. Why take the risk of nancial instability and triggering a likely recession just to show who has larger manhood?

Anyway, we all lived through it and the problem was temporarily solved. However, I really dislike how the media and press couched the outcome with winners and losers. For example, the June 1 New York Times coverage’s headline stated “Who Won?” at should not be the focus tallying up pluses and minuses by each political party. e focus should be that we were able to avoid what could have been a huge nancial impact on America’s ability to pay its bills and avoid a likely recession. Our economy is teetering enough as it is without another enormous potential negative impact.

Anyway, we can now get back to whatever is normal these days and see what is next on the horizon.

SEE CHRISTOPHER, P13