Multiple state and local agencies in Colorado announced the launch of Housing Hub Colorado–an initiative meant to align state entities to streamline and simplify the process of applying for affordable housing tax credits. The initiative also covers related public funds and marks the first effort from the recently formed Colorado Housing Consortium.
The announcement of Housing Hub Colorado comes from Gov. Jared Polis, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA), the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) and Denver’s city and county departments of Housing Stability (HOST).
Housing Hub Colorado, a partnership through these key agencies, is rolling out in two main phases. The first phase focuses on immediate impact items that make the funding process quicker for developers. According to officials, this approach should shorten time and costs associated with securing funding and tax credits.
The first phase establishes a single online hub where developers pursuing housing tax credits can find application timelines, guidance and resources for gap funding through DOLA and HOST. It also consolidates budget submissions into one standardized spreadsheet accepted by the CHFA, DOLA and HOST, eliminating the need to complete separate applications for each agency.
Application questions are also being aligned across all three programs so applicants can provide consistent responses without tailoring answers for each agency.
The Division of Housing (DOH), which sits within DOLA, has also simplified its pre-application process, removing the need for financial letters of interest and trimming the number of required fields. Developers can now reference a coordinated funding calendar that outlines key dates for DOH and HOST pre-application rounds ahead of the competitive Housing Tax Credit Round One in 2026. The goal is a clearer path forward with less paperwork, helping affordable housing projects move through the pipeline faster.
Phase two of Housing Hub Colorado focuses on one common application for housing tax credits. DOLA, CHFA, OEDIT and HOST are working together to develop this application, which is slated to launch in 2026.
Phase two will also include a fully aligned set of questions and required materials among agencies, along with expansion to additional housing programs. These programs will begin with additional rental funding opportunities and later expand into homeownership programs.
Housing Hub Colorado is the first initiative to emerge from the Colorado Housing Consortium, a cross-sector group of more than 100 participants from private, public and nonprofit organizations. BuildStrong Foundation created the consortium earlier this year with support from McKinsey & Company. The consortium’s broader goal is to lower construction costs and speed up housing development through collaboration across sectors.
Developers targeting the 2026 Housing Tax Credit Round One have several upcoming deadlines. HOST pre-applications are accepted Dec. 1-12, with conditional award determinations for DOH and HOST expected by mid-January. This is followed by the full Housing Tax Credit application deadline on Feb. 2.
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