Colorado Awards $45 Million in Grants to Build Transit-Oriented Communities Under HB 1313

DENVER, CO — Colorado Governor Jared Polis and the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) Division of Local Government announced the distribution of $45 million in Transit-Oriented Communities Infrastructure Grants, rewarding 22 municipalities that complied early with landmark housing density statute House Bill 1313.

Funding Water, Sidewalks, and Parks Near Transit Corridors

The state grants provide capital funding up to $3 million per municipality to upgrade water mains, widen pedestrian sidewalks, and build public plaza parks in transit-oriented centers in Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, and Boulder. Participating cities adopted zoning reforms permitting multi-family housing densities of at least 40 units per acre by right within one-half mile of RTD light rail and bus rapid transit (BRT) stations.

Governor Polis stated that building homes near transit reduces traffic, lowers the cost of living, and cuts air pollution, proving that proactive state infrastructure grants empower cities to solve the housing crisis.

Municipal Mayors and Urban Planning Perspectives

Mayors across the Front Range praised the infrastructure grants for offsetting the capital costs of connecting new multi-family developments to municipal water systems.

Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) noted that transit zoning unlocks federal low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC).

Grant Disbursement Schedule

Municipal infrastructure grant funds will transfer to recipient city treasuries in October 2026.