The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) is offering the 2024-25 Local Planning Capacity Grant Program, aimed at increasing the capacity of local government planning departments. This program is designed to enhance their ability to process land use, permitting, and zoning applications, particularly for housing projects. A core mission alignment for this grant is to support local governments in implementing systems that expedite the review process for affordable housing initiatives. By focusing on planning department capacity, DOLA seeks to contribute to the overall increase in the number of housing units built and help local governments maintain eligibility for Prop 123 funds, thereby addressing critical housing needs within the state.
The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are municipalities, counties, and tribal governments in Colorado that have had their Prop 123 baseline and commitment accepted by the Division of Housing (DOH). While awards cannot be made directly to housing authorities, these entities and other nonprofits are encouraged to partner with eligible local governments. The overarching impact goal is to facilitate the efficient development and preservation of affordable housing across Colorado. This is achieved by strengthening the operational capabilities of local planning departments, ultimately leading to a more streamlined and effective housing development process.
The program's priorities and focuses are multifaceted, encompassing the implementation of new IT solutions like online permitting and tracking systems, as well as electronic plan review to streamline development. It also emphasizes applying "lean" business principles to improve inter-agency coordination for affordable housing projects. Furthermore, the grant supports regulatory changes, such as land use or development code amendments, to expedite the review of affordable housing projects, and planning efforts to convert or preserve existing housing units as affordable housing through mechanisms like deed restrictions. Tracking and documentation activities related to Prop 123, including annual growth commitment and fast-track metrics, are also key areas of focus.
Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the capacity of local government planning departments, leading to a more rapid and efficient review and approval process for affordable housing projects. Measurable results will likely involve an increase in the number of affordable housing units developed, a reduction in the time taken for development reviews, and improved tracking of Prop 123 commitments. While a formal "theory of change" is not explicitly stated, DOLA's strategic priority is clearly to empower local governments with the resources and tools needed to address the state's housing crisis by fostering a more effective and responsive planning environment. The program's design reflects a belief that by enhancing local planning capabilities, DOLA can directly influence the pace and volume of affordable housing development.
