The Housing Planning Grant Program is administered by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) through its Division of Local Government. This program was established by SB24-174 (§§ 24-32-3701 — 24-32-3711) to provide funding to support local and regional government efforts in developing or updating housing-related planning documents. These include Housing Needs Assessments (HNAs), Housing Action Plans (HAPs), and the Strategic Growth element of comprehensive plans. The goal is to help local entities understand and plan for current and future housing needs in accordance with the mandates of the new state legislation.

Applications for the next round of funding open on March 10, 2025, and are due by April 11, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Applications must be submitted via the DLG Grants Portal. An instructional video is available on DOLA’s YouTube channel, and applicants facing technical issues are encouraged to contact the Housing Planning Grant Program Manager. An informational webinar will be held on March 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Award notifications are expected in May 2025, and future funding cycles will be announced in spring 2025.

Approximately $12 million is available for this program, funded through the Local Government Severance Tax Fund and the Local Government Mineral Impact Fund. However, additional funding for this program is not guaranteed beyond the current appropriation. While there is no specified minimum or maximum award amount, funds are limited, and applicants should plan accordingly. A 25% local match is required for all awarded projects.

Eligible applicants include municipalities, counties, city-counties, councils of governments (COGs), regional planning commissions, and public entities formed through voluntary agreements of local governments. Multijurisdictional projects are encouraged, especially those that involve partnerships with housing authorities or other regional entities. Priority will be given to jurisdictions that are subject to the housing planning requirements outlined in SB24-174. These jurisdictions are advised to consult the applicability information available on the legislation’s webpage or to request one-on-one technical assistance if needed.

Grant funds may be used to create or revise HNAs, HAPs, or Strategic Growth elements of comprehensive plans to bring them into compliance with SB24-174. Early funding rounds will prioritize HNAs. DOLA will also release guidance in 2026 regarding Water Supply and Strategic Growth elements, with Scott Williamson designated as the technical assistance contact for that area.

Applicants may express initial interest by filling out a brief survey or by contacting the program manager for feedback and technical support. Primary program contact is Ashley Basham, Housing & Transit Grant Program Manager, reachable at ashley.basham@state.co.us or 720-666-2872. Alice Huang serves as the Housing Grant Program Assistant and can be contacted at alice.huang@state.co.us. Additional support is available through the DOLA helpdesk at dola_dlg_helpdesk@state.co.us or by phone at 303-864-7720.