Data and Engagement Informing Colorado's Statewide TOD Policy

This presentation offers insights into the diverse data that informed the design and implementation of Colorado’s Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) policy. While legislatures around the country are pursuing zoning and parking reforms that reflect diverse policy agendas — for example, environmentalist and YIMBY advocacy — state and local staff are tasked with implementing the policies. Learn how State of Colorado staff in diverse departments – Transportation, Energy, and Local Affairs — defined a workable TOC regulatory framework by relying on (1) local stakeholder input; (2) extensive scenario analyses; and (3) lessons learned from other states' policymaking.

The Colorado TOC policy will require local communities to allow housing production at minimum average intensities near transit, addressing the housing crisis in a manner that reduces greenhouse gas emissions from residential building stock and transportation. The panel discusses how different types of data — especially input from local government stakeholders who are implementing the policies — shaped this statewide policymaking effort, offering lessons for those considering statewide reforms in other states.