Local Planning Capacity Grant Program
Grants help Colorado local governments boost planning capacity and expedite affordable housing approvals by adopting fast track review processes required by Proposition 123.
Funder: Department of Local Affairs
Due Dates: February 20, 2026 (pre-application meeting deadline) | February 26, 2026 (Spring 2026 application deadline) | June 30, 2026 (last date to adopt Fast Track and qualify for incentive) | July 31, 2026 (submit Fast Track documentation for incentive) | September 24, 2026 (Fall 2026 application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $250,000 per award (20% local match required; 50% for comp plans/code updates); up to $45,000–$50,000 incentive for early Fast Track adoption (no match); typical awards $24,000–$250,000 for single- or multi-jurisdictional projects; $5–6M available annually.
Summary: Funding for Colorado local governments to boost planning capacity and expedite affordable housing approvals, with a focus on implementing Proposition 123 fast track requirements.
Key Information: Pre-application meeting with program staff is required to access the application portal.
Description
The Local Planning Capacity Grant Program provides financial support to Colorado municipalities, counties, and tribal governments to enhance their planning departments’ ability to address affordable housing challenges. The top priority is to help local governments adopt and implement expedited (“fast track”) review processes for affordable housing projects, as required by Proposition 123. Grant funds may also support a range of activities that increase planning capacity, advance local affordable housing goals, or implement strategies that lead to the creation or preservation of affordable units. Incentive funding is available for jurisdictions that adopt compliant fast track policies ahead of statutory deadlines.
