Denver Community Planning and Housing Committee Summary: April 7, 2026

The Denver City Council Community Planning and Housing Committee convened on April 7, 2026, chaired by Councilwoman Diana Romero Campbell. The committee reviewed and voted on two contracts supporting residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), received a detailed briefing on the citywide Housing Needs Assessment and Anti-Displacement Strategy, and heard the final report and implementation update for the Quebec Corridor Task Force.

Discussion Items

Housing Support Contracts for I/DD Populations (Resolutions 26-0463 and 26-0464)

• Project Description: Jordan Mulholland (DHS IDEAS Program) and Midori Higoshi (HOST) presented two three-year contracts funded through DHS’s IDEAS mill levy. Resolution 26-0463 ($3.42 million with Jewish Family Service) provides rapid rehousing for at least 55 I/DD households. Resolution 26-0464 ($2.58 million with Rocky Mountain Human Services) provides stability navigation for at least 300 I/DD individuals and families. Both contracts run through April 30, 2029.
• Council Positions and Questions: Councilmembers broadly supported the targeted partnership. Councilwoman Alvidrez asked about long-term sustainability beyond the 24-month rapid rehousing program, noting that half of participants earn under $10,000 annually. Councilwoman Torres inquired about the IDEAS fund balance ($17.7 million at the start of 2026) and whether a dedicated housing development is planned for this population (staff reported that concept is paused). Councilwoman Sawyer clarified the benefit of the outreach metric requiring monthly shelter screenings, calling it a unique and valuable contract requirement.

Housing Needs Assessment & Anti-Displacement Strategy (Briefing 26-0477)

• Project Description: Laya Mitchell (HOST) and Heidi Aggeler (Root Policy Research) presented the methodology for a state-mandated, city-specific Housing Needs Assessment. The assessment will analyze demographic projections, housing market gaps, an anti-displacement strategy addressing residential/commercial/cultural displacement, and eviction/foreclosure patterns. Preliminary projections are due in late July 2026.
• Council Positions and Feedback:
  • Councilwoman Alvidrez questioned the disconnect between rising vacancy rates and increasing family homelessness, emphasizing a mismatch between unit sizes and family needs. She requested analysis of declining Black homeownership rates.
  • Councilwoman Sawyer expressed strong concern over the validity of the 2025 DRCOG regional study as a metric. Staff confirmed the city is using a tailored local model and is required only to acknowledge the DRCOG study, not rely on it. Sawyer asked how data will translate into actionable policies, such as prioritizing funding for larger family units.
  • Councilwoman Torres requested vacancy rate calculations that account for units in initial lease-up periods.
  • Councilwoman Lewis requested specific analysis of senior housing needs (65+) and foreclosures.
  • Chair Romero Campbell requested data on residents already displaced from Denver, analysis of climate change and insurance costs on housing affordability, and emphasized the gap where newly built affordable units often exceed 30% of the target occupant's income. She recommended targeted focus groups for displaced individuals.

Quebec Corridor Task Force (Briefing 26-0478)

• Project Description: Councilwoman Shontel Lewis (District 8) and task force member David Kugler presented the task force’s recommendations and implementation status. The group was convened to address quality-of-life complaints related to the concentration of shelters along Quebec Street.
• Task Force Positions and Implementation:
  • Positions: The task force explicitly stated it does not support camping bans, over-reliance on policing to address homelessness, or isolation of unsheltered residents from services.
  • Short-Term Outcomes (End of 2025): Urban Alchemy’s shelter operation has dramatically reduced police and fire calls. Three overdoses were reported and reversed. Common gathering space is being developed.
  • Medium-Term Outcomes (2026–2027): The city committed to not using the Aspen shelter (4040 Quebec) as a cold weather shelter for the next winter. DPD and Walmart are partnering to provide hygiene products and pet food to the shelter to address shoplifting concerns.
  • Long-Term Outcomes (2027+): The corridor has been included in the Near Northeast Planning Initiative (NNENPI). The task force recommends housing development for 30–110% AMI households and improved pedestrian infrastructure. HOST is developing a navigation center concept.
  • Councilwoman Sawyer commended Urban Alchemy’s approach, noting a significant improvement in shelter atmosphere. Chair Romero Campbell requested clear timelines for converting shelter sites to permanent affordable housing and stressed the need for a comprehensive citywide shelter siting policy.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: Resolutions 26-0463 and 26-0464 were approved in a block vote of 6–0–1 (Aye: Alvidrez, Lewis, Romero Campbell, Sandoval, Sawyer, Torres; Absent: Parady).
• Directives & Next Steps:
  • HOST and Root Policy Research will incorporate council feedback on family unit sizes, displacement, climate/insurance costs, and senior populations into the Housing Needs Assessment.
  • The committee recommended exploring focus groups with residents who have already left Denver due to housing costs.
  • HOST is expected to continue planning for the Quebec Corridor navigation center and the long-term conversion of shelter sites into permanent housing.