I am writing as a concerned citizen of Colorado who believes strongly in local control and the right of our communities to make decisions that reflect our unique needs.

Governor Polis’ plan to withhold access to $280 million in housing grants unless cities and counties adopt state-mandated housing policies is nothing short of a power grab. These are taxpayer dollars, already collected from our residents, now being used as leverage to force local governments into line.

Colorado has always valued independence and community self-governance. Whether in our rural counties or our growing towns, one size does not fit all. Tying grant eligibility to compliance with Denver’s dictates undermines the very principle of representative local government.

I respectfully urge you and your colleagues to:

Resist Governor Polis’ mandate. Stand firm in defending your authority as an elected local leader.

Join with other municipalities and counties in challenging this overreach, including through legal and legislative avenues.

Protect the voice of your constituents by insisting that our community, not the Governor, decides how best to address housing.

Please know that your courage in defending local decision-making will not go unnoticed. I — and many others — will stand behind leaders who put their communities first.