West Virtual Connect: 2026 Legislative Session Update

Members from across Colorado’s Western Slope gathered for a West Virtual Connect roundtable focused on the outcomes of the 2026 legislative session and the issues most likely to affect architects practicing in mountain and rural communities. Led by AIA Colorado Advocacy Engagement Director Nikolaus Remus, AIA, and West Section Director Will Otte, AIA, the discussion explored housing, land use, infrastructure, sustainability, and emerging policy issues that could shape the future of practice in the region.

A major focus of the conversation was housing. Participants reviewed several bills aimed at increasing housing opportunities across Colorado, including legislation supporting affordable housing development on underutilized public properties and efforts to encourage transit-oriented development around future rail investments. While some housing-related proposals failed to advance due to the state’s $1.5 billion budget deficit, attendees discussed how affordable housing remains one of the most pressing challenges facing mountain communities and workforce retention.

The group also examined legislation related to wildfire resilience, natural disaster mitigation, and the growing conversation around large-scale AI data centers. Members discussed the potential impacts these facilities could have on Colorado’s energy and water resources, particularly for communities that depend on mountain watersheds. While several proposed regulations did not pass this year, participants noted that many of these issues are expected to return in future legislative sessions.

Additional discussion covered updates to accessibility code references, transportation funding proposals, utility regulation, and workforce-related legislation. Throughout the presentation, Remus emphasized the importance of member engagement in AIA Colorado’s advocacy efforts, noting that input from architects practicing in rural, resort, and mountain communities helps ensure legislators understand how statewide policies affect different regions of Colorado.

The session concluded with a conversation about representation and participation in AIA Colorado’s advocacy work. West Section leaders encouraged members to engage with the Government Affairs Committee and share feedback on legislation affecting their communities, reinforcing the important role local perspectives play in shaping effective advocacy at the Capitol.

Members west of the Front Range convene quarterly in a virtual setting to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping practice in the region. The West Section Advisors regularly host open roundtables, welcoming all members in the West to join and contribute.

RSVP for events at AIA Colorado’s event page.