1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to take bold action to make housing more affordable and accessible for Colorado families. The cost of housing has outpaced wages, and too many of our neighbors are being priced out of their own communities. We need systemic solutions that prioritize residents over corporations and investors. I ask you to consider the following policy changes: 1. Make mortgages transferable. Homeownership should not be locked to the first purchase. Mortgages should be allowed to follow the owner or the property with subsequent sales, with a reasonable transfer fee (no more than $3,000). This would stabilize housing costs and keep communities strong. 2. Ensure equal visibility for all homes on the market. For-sale-by-owner properties should be just as visible as realtor-listed homes on MLS and housing websites. Families selling their homes should have the same visibility as corporate-backed sellers. 3. Create a fair, scaled property tax system. Colorado needs a property tax system that encourages housing for families, not speculation. Taxes should scale based on ownership patterns, size, and community contribution: • Pay more (higher rates): • Corporations that own over $10 million in real estate, especially single-family homes • Empty living spaces (vacant homes, unused apartments) • Out-of-state or out-of-county investors • Investors with over $3 million in holdings • Oversized homes with low occupancy (e.g., over 3,000 sq. ft. for two people, adding 500 sq. ft. per additional person) • Pay less (reduced rates): • Colorado residents who have lived here more than 10 years • Community workers and volunteers • Graduates of Colorado schools or those who attended school here • Essential workers, such as teachers and healthcare providers • Retired residents who have contributed to the community This tiered system would shift the burden onto corporations and speculative investors, while giving local families, long-term residents, and community contributors a fair chance to afford homes. Housing is a foundation of stability, health, and community. Without meaningful reform, we risk losing the very people who make Colorado strong. Please prioritize this legislation and take action to make housing affordable for Colorado families again. Thank you for your leadership.