Innovative Affordable Housing Strategies Planning Grant Program - Now Open for Applications

The Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) received stimulus funds from HB21-1271 to promote innovative solutions to the development of affordable housing across the state. The Community Development Office (CDO) is partnering with DOLA's Division of Housing to provide grants to local governments through the Planning Grant Program and the Incentives Grant Program.

CDO is pleased to announce that the Planning Grant Program is now open for applications! The Planning Grant Program has approximately $6,816,000 in funding available to local governments to help them understand their housing needs and adopt policy and regulatory strategies to qualify for the Incentives Grant Program. Planning Grants can fund data collection (e.g., housing needs assessments) paired with strategic policy and regulatory updates to remove barriers and incentivize affordable housing at the local level.

• Eligible Organizations: Colorado municipalities and counties
• Funding Available: $6,816,000
• Award Amount: Individual awards expected to be ~$50,000-$200,000 (no set max)
• Local Match: 25% local match of the total project cost required, with the option to request a reduced match after consulting with your DOLA Regional Manager
• Application Deadline: Applications submitted by September 20, 2021 will be reviewed first, with regular reviews on a rolling basis (approximately monthly) until all funds are depleted
• Award Expenditure Deadline: June 30, 2024

Join an informational Zoom meeting to hear more Planning Grant Program details and ask questions:

• Q&A Meeting #1 - Thursday, August 26, 1-2 p.m.
• Zoom meeting link
• Meeting ID: 826 2350 0048
• Passcode: 761106
• Q&A Meeting #2 - Friday, September 3, 12-1 p.m.
• Zoom meeting link
• Meeting ID: 827 1705 7700
• Passcode: 083670

Program guidelines, application, and FAQs are posted on the HB21-1271 program website. The website will be updated frequently with information for both Planning Grants and Incentives Grants. Email Christy Wiseman with questions about the Planning Grant Program.