History Shows That Colorado Governor Jared Polis’ Land Use Power Grab Could Get Ugly

Governor Jared Polis and Democratic state lawmakers have presented a solution to Colorado’s housing affordability crisis: a top-down overhaul of local zoning regulations throughout the state by way of his new land-use bill, which was introduced in the state legislature on March 22.

While some may welcome legislation that increases housing stock and density — in an effort to bring down rent and real estate prices — many people are unhappy with the move, saying it’s reminiscent of other legislative oversteps that have gone down in Denver in the past.

“It’s the biggest power grab from a governor since the great City Hall War of 1894,” says Rich Grant, former longtime communications director for the city’s tourism organization, Visit Denver. Grant points to the historical event as a…