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mattfrommer.bsky.social

@mattfrommer.bsky.social
433 followers 962 following 80 posts

Smart growth, housing, transportation, and climate policy in Colorado.

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Housing Forward Colorado @housingfwdco.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
A new poll found that 63% of Denver voters support allowing duplexes, triplexes & fourplexes in all residential neighborhoods, while 28% oppose it. Denverites want more affordable housing options and this poll shows they’re ready to legalize them. Read more: buff.ly/D2xe9Sv #Denver #MissingMiddle
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Housing Forward Colorado @housingfwdco.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Denver's new apartments have sparked a lot of controversy over what is affordable. We looked into it -- and the truth is that new market-rate housing is affordable to most households in the metro area. Read our newest blog post to get the full scoop!
housingforwardco.org
Affordable for Who? The Price of New Market Rate Housing
New market rate housing in the Denver metro area is affordable for most households and also helps put downward pressure on rents across the market.
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
New blog post I wrote with Luke Teater. One claim I hear all the time is that new market-rate housing is just "luxury housing for rich people." So we dug into the data on new Denver-area apartments built since 2020 to see how rents compare to the broader market: housingforwardco.org/affordable-f...
housingforwardco.org
Affordable for Who? The Price of New Market Rate Housing
New market rate housing in the Denver metro area is affordable for most households and also helps put downward pressure on rents across the market.
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Henry Grabar @henrygrabar.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
well, it took a year and change, but Cambridge's first-in-the-nation project to upzone the entire city for 4-to-6 story residential has finally produced the kind of thing it was supposed to: 55 units, 20 percent affordable, replacing a single $3m home
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
One oft-repeated claim about the Colfax Bus Rapid Transit project is that it’s “killing businesses” along the corridor. But that narrative doesn't hold up when you look at the data. Storefront occupancy along East Colfax was 81% pre-construction. Today, it’s 84%. www.westword.com/opinion/rumo...
westword.com
The rumors of Colfax's devastation are greatly exaggerated...and holding Denver back
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
“In March, the first month of the war in the Middle East, more than 344,000 electric vehicles were registered across Europe, over 40 percent more than a year earlier, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association.”
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Reposted by @mattfrommer.bsky.social
Housing Forward Colorado @housingfwdco.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
Lakewood's special election results are in, but are the results representative? In our newest blog post, we explore whose interests are represented in special elections, what local versus state legislation can do, and what we can learn from this rollback.
housingforwardco.org
Low-turnout special election rolls back Lakewood zoning reform
Lakewood voters roll back zoning reform in low-turnout special election, halting local efforts to expand affordable housing options.
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Our new blog post on CDOT's successful Bustang transit service. Ridership has grown 5x since 2021 thanks to one-time funding for service expansion. We propose using Express Lane toll revenue to sustain & grow Bustang and avert service cuts: www.swenergy.org/colorados-bu...
swenergy.org
Colorado's Bustang has become a national transit model, but its funding is running out - Southwest Energy Efficiency Project
March 26, 2026 | Chandler Sanchez & Matt Frommer
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Michael Andersen @andersem.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Yesterday, Oregon's legislature voted to ban underfunded inclusionary zoning from the Portland metro area. It's a big turnaround, and I hope a path forward for other states too. www.sightline.org/2026/03/05/o...
sightline.org
Oregon’s New Path to Inclusionary Housing: Fully Funded and Flexible | Sightline Institute
An environmental justice champion led the push to end counterproductive, unfunded mandates.
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
First round of Colorado state TOD infrastructure grants have been awarded to cities complying with HB24-1313 to build the infrastructure needed to support more housing near transit 👏
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Housing Forward Colorado @housingfwdco.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
"How McMansions lured us into an unhappiness trap" -- WSJ on why smaller houses can lead to happier lives: archive.ph/9zDyE
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Housing Forward Colorado @housingfwdco.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
Sprawl is more than cookie cutter subdivisions. It drives up housing, energy, and infrastructure costs, emissions, and risk. A new DOLA report compares “business as usual” to smart growth, and the results aren’t even close. We break it down in our latest blog: housingforwardco.org/colorado-at-...
housingforwardco.org
Colorado at a crossroads: Why smart growth beats sprawl
We must be more strategic about the kinds of housing we choose to build and where we choose to build it.
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
Questionable new CDOT study on the proposed I-270 widening claims it won't increase driving. Making driving easier leads to more of it and traffic returns to pre-construction levels in 3–5 years. Big waste of $800M taxpayer dollars. More in the CO Sun article: coloradosun.com/2026/01/07/c... 1/2
coloradosun.com
CDOT’s pollution claims for I-270 expansion are a fantasy, green groups say
As public hearings begin, CDOT and Colorado green groups dispute whether an expansion of I-270 would increase pollution.
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Housing Forward Colorado @housingfwdco.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
We're delighted that the Denver Downtown Development Authority (DDDA) has approved funding for an office-to-residential conversion of the historic Petroleum Building! This adaptive reuse project will turn 12 floors of vacant office space into 178 new apartments. www.denvergov.org/News-article...
denvergov.org
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Housing Forward Colorado @housingfwdco.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
Big congrats to Grand Junction, Superior, Larimer County, Glenwood Springs, Fruita, Brighton, and Longmont on being the first to receive grant money from Colorado's Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Grant Program! www.cpr.org/2025/11/19/c...
cpr.org
Cities around the state get funds to help encourage more ADUs
The grants are part of a larger effort to expand the state’s supply of smaller, more affordable housing options.
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
Denver now allows single-stair residential buildings up to 5 stories instead of just 3 thanks to HB25-1273 👏
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
Exciting news on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Colorado thanks to House bill 24-1152:
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
🤯
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Big news out of Lakewood, Colorado!
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Housing Forward Colorado @housingfwdco.bsky.social · 16/11/2025
Our latest blog post by HFC lead @mattfrommer.bsky.social and economist Luke Teater crunches the numbers on how housing construction affects low-income renters in #Denver: housingforwardco.org/denvers-hous...
housingforwardco.org
Denver Housing Construction Benefits Low-Income Renters
Denver’s recent experience shows that when we build more housing, rents fall – and they fall the most for households that need the greatest relief.
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
Denver's recent apartment construction boom has driven down rents. In our new blog, Luke Teater & I use RealPage data to measure rent changes. Notably, rents in Class C buildings, the most affordable segment, fell twice as fast as pricier Class A and B units. housingforwardco.org/denvers-hous...
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Housing Forward Colorado @housingfwdco.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
Last Tuesday, pro-housing advocates celebrated numerous victories in local elections across Colorado. The message is clear: Pro-housing platforms win elections. Read our press release for details: housingforwardco.org/housing-news...
housingforwardco.org
Colorado pro-housing advocates win big in 2025 local elections
Voters across the Front Range chose pro-housing city council members and defeated anti-growth ballot measures.
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
New Colorado Sun article: Will adding more lanes fix I-270 congestion? CDOT’s favored fix will test its new mission, opponents say. coloradosun.com/2025/11/11/i... This $725M project is one of several costly highway expansions CDOT’s considering in the upcoming 10 year plan.
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Housing Forward Colorado @housingfwdco.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
Colorado’s 2024 land use reforms on ADUs, parking, and TOD were a big step. But the real climate and affordability gains come when cities go beyond the minimums. Let’s double down on smart growth to cut emissions, costs, and wildfire risk. Here's our breakdown: housingforwardco.org/five-ways-sm...
housingforwardco.org
Five ways smart land use policies tackle climate change in Colorado
Strategic growth policies can reduce emissions from transportation and buildings while saving residents money and protecting open lands.
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Housing Forward Colorado @housingfwdco.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
We made it onto Bluesky! 🎉 Climate-friendly, pro-housing content coming soon! 🏘️🌏🌄
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Caroline Leland @chleland.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
(1/2) The CO Energy Office modeled how smart land use policies impact GHG emissions &climate risks. The results: 🏘️ -31% building emissions 🚗 -15% household transpo emissions 🌲 +30% of new homes shifted from greenfield development to infill 🔥 -Tens of thousands fewer homes in wildfire-prone areas
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
New release from Governor Polis finds most Colorado communities are working toward compliance with state housing laws to expand housing choices & lower costs. www.colorado.gov/governor/new... 1/
colorado.gov
Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) Announces High Level of Local Government Compliance with Colorado Law | Colorado Governor Jared Polis
STATEWIDE - The Colorado Department of Local Affairs is pleased to report a high rate of compliance and compliance in progress among subject jurisdictions with various laws related to strategic growth...
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Max Nardo @maxnardoco.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
New post about how bulk transit passes are incredibly affordable and pair nicely with new parking reform and TOD laws. New tools in SB25-161 expand this program - let's use them! Written with James Flattum from @greatdentransit.bsky.social
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
New @pewtrusts.org research shows that adding lots of new housing supply lowers rents, especially in older and more affordable Class C apartments. In Denver, average rents fell 4.2% overall in 2023–24, and Class C rents dropped 7.6%. t.co/DukRRheG9Q 1/
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
Shoutout to Denver for building this sweet protected bike lane on South Broadway. At first I was skeptical but now I use it almost daily, and it looks like I’m not the only one… Now please extend it through Golden Triangle, downtown and into Rino thanks
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
New press release from SWEEP & partners: Environmental and housing groups support new executive order rewarding local governments for tackling the housing affordability and climate crises. www.swenergy.org/conservation...
swenergy.org
Conservation and housing groups support new executive order rewarding local governments for tackling the housing affordability and climate crises - Southwest Energy Efficiency Project
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
Colorado's e-bike rebates have been a huge success! "More than 1/3 of respondents said they were taking 2-3 rides a week, with the next-largest group taking 4-5 trips a week." This is a cost-effective tool to cut emissions & traffic, and save people money. ⚡️🚲 ⚡️ coloradosun.com/2025/08/11/c...
coloradosun.com
Colorado e-bike survey shows rebate users cutting car trips, still facing weather and street challenges
Colorado surveyed more than 3,000 who used a now-depleted rebate program to get big discounts off e-bikes, finding many skipping car trips.
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
Innovative new program in Denver will offer free e-scooter & e-bike rides to light rail stations to address the first/last minute challenge. Props to RTD for getting this started! denverite.com/2025/08/05/r... 1/
denverite.com
RTD has a new solution for the 'last mile' problem: scooters and e-bikes
A new pilot program, First Mile Free, will offer free rides to two RTD stations.
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
Great new op-ed from State Rep Stewart on the benefits of Lakewood's zoning code proposal to expand housing choices by legalizing "missing middle housing". These housing options cost $230k less than single detached homes. They also reduce driving & energy/water use. coloradosun.com/2025/08/07/o...
coloradosun.com
Opinion: Lakewood’s attempt to increase “middle housing” would be big step to address crisis in Colorado
With updates to zoning laws, Lakewood officials can lead other communities down a path to fixing housing shortages and costs.
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Max Nardo @maxnardoco.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
It's nice to see support for townhomes gaining traction locally. Chart is from Lakewood's 2024 housing plan, text is from Colorado Springs Housing Needs Assessment outreach (reported by KOAA)
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
After a long night, Denver city council voted 9-3 to eliminate minimum parking requirements for all uses citywide! 👏
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
Helpful update from @denverite.bsky.social on housing in Denver. The good news: Denver recently doubled its supply of new apartments, leading to the first sustained rent drop in 15 years 🥳. Metro rents fell 3.7% this year while incomes continued to rise - a real win for affordability. 1/
denverite.com
Denver rent is back to 2022 prices
With 20,000 new units on the market, prices are down about 3.7 percent.
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
CDOT's expanded Bustang service is a real bright spot for CO's transportation system. Ridership has doubled since 2021 because of: 1) New "Mobility Hub" bus stations on the highways mean buses only stop for 30 seconds and drive in the Express Lanes to bypass traffic. “It’s very train-like,”.... 1/
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
It's official - last night, Boulder voted to eliminate minimum parking requirements for all new development citywide! 👏 The city's had parking minimums since 1954, which has forced builders to oversupply parking, resulting in empty lots, less housing, & higher rents. 1/
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
New housing cost data from Arapahoe County shows single-family homes are $250,000 more expensive than townhomes & condos ($600k vs $350k). 1/ t.co/k6uzaa9Xp6
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
Today, our Housing Forward Colorado campaign published an updated Colorado Land Use Progress Report, which tracks local action to comply with the 2024 state land use laws. June 30 was a major deadline & we reviewed dozens of city ordinances. housingforwardco.org/colorado-lan... A few takeaways:
housingforwardco.org
CO Land Use Progress Report - July 2025 - Housing Forward CO
Documenting local governments putting state housing policy into action — and the creative solutions emerging statewide.
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
Essential reading for Coloradans interested in housing & land use. “The state’s lot size and parking requirements are “really at odds with this notion of Colorado being an environmentally friendly state, a state where people care about the land, where a lot of attention is paid to land management.”
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Welcoming Neighbors Network @welcomingneighbors.us · 30/06/2025
Berkeley - the city that literally invented single-detached-only zoning – passed landmark zoning reform on Friday. Berkeley will now allow 70 homes per acre across all residential zones (~8 homes per 5k sf lot). 🔥🔥🔥 Huge congrats to @eastbayforeveryone.bsky.social & their coalition!
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 30/06/2025
An RTD bus stop getting hosed by a sprinkler this morning. Good metaphor for how we treat transit riders in Colorado (and then wonder why more people don’t use it)
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
Big shout out to Wheat Ridge City Council for getting rid of parking minimums for all multifamily development across the city. Motion passed last night 7-0! @rachelhultin.bsky.social www.youtube.com/live/FqvVCaT...
youtube.com
Wheat Ridge City Council 6-23-25
YouTube video by Wheat Ridge Channel 8
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Lori Droste @loridroste.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scientists urge support of Berkeley’s middle housing ordinance.
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
Excellent new op-ed from Lukas Hagen on how removing parking mandates in Denver will "help lower rents and home prices in an era of high building material costs and exorbitant interest rates." www.westword.com/news/denver-...
westword.com
Rigid Parking Minimums Increase Housing Costs: Making Denver Affordable Requires Flexibility
A propoal heading to Denver City Council would help lower rents and home prices in an era of high building material costs and exorbitant interest rates.
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
Great thread and blog post from Max Nardo with a summary of the results from Portland's middle housing legalization and how a similar policy might play out in Colorado:
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
👀
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mattfrommer.bsky.social @mattfrommer.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
SWEEP's latest report in the Colorado Sun: "The cities that aren’t fighting Jared Polis’ housing agenda - Many Colorado cities are taking steps to obey the state’s new land use laws — and some have gone even further than they’re required." @maxnardoco.bsky.social coloradosun.com/2025/05/30/t...
coloradosun.com
The Unaffiliated | The cities that aren’t fighting Jared Polis’ housing agenda
Plus: A voter presses Michael Bennet on why he’s running for governor. Michael Dougherty on the offensive.
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