LOWER COST OF HOUSING
The biggest issue facing most Coloradans today is the exorbitant cost of housing, especially for independent voters, who make up nearly half of the active electorate. We can lower housing costs by reducing needless government regulations. In Denver, it takes an average of 10 months to secure a housing permit, while in Houston, the nation’s fourth largest city it takes just 30 days. Large developments of 5,000 units can take up to five years to clear reviews and permitting, forcing builders to spend tens of millions of dollars before a single home is built. Those delays and fees drive up prices, with studies estimating that government permitting accounts for 10-25% of the cost of a new home. On top of that, builders face enormous risk from frivolous lawsuits pushed by trial lawyers. If we want affordable housing, we must cut red tape, speed up permitting, and put an end to abusive lawsuits against builders.