Though we each represent unique cities with their own character, tradition and amenities, there are two points on which we all agree. First, Colorado is simply the best place to live, work and raise a family. Second, in order to maintain our high quality of life, we have to provide attainable housing.

Just three short years ago our legislators made great strides in the effort to provide attainable housing. Both Republicans and Democrats came together and worked side-by-side with stakeholders to address the issue. The result, HB17-1279, made significant reforms to address construction defects, a challenge that was stunting the ability for Coloradans to secure attainable housing.

It worked. From 2018-2019 alone, metro area annual condo starts rose 34%. Before HB17-1279, condos represented 2% of the market; now they represent 12% of the market, and multi-family continues that upward trajectory. Currently, there are 2,782 condo units under construction with an additional 109 planned future projects totaling almost 17,000 units. These numbers represent both opportunity for jobs and attainable housing for thousands of Coloradans.

In short, unnecessary barriers were removed and the solution worked.

Fast forward to today and SB20-093. As written, the bill has the potential to move the state all the way back to square one. Unfortunately, SB20-093 will endanger the very delicate balance that protects consumers and provides for attainable housing options. Consumers will pay and economic development will take a big hit. In the end, all Coloradans will pay the bill for this bad idea

Broadly, SB20-093 will make arbitration more difficult and more expensive for the very consumers the bill seeks to help, all while introducing an extraordinary number of unintended consequences that are likely to stifle our booming economy, and possibly delay a consumer’s ability to receive a quicker and less expensive resolution.

It’s no wonder that a chorus of opposition comprised of metro area mayors, community leaders, business organizations and housing advocates are so strongly opposed to SB20-093.

According to multiple legal minds, SB20-093 will reverse most of the positive impacts of HB17-1279 and the Vallagio decision, a legal ruling which paved the way for a quintupling of condo construction since 2017. We simply cannot afford to go backward. Passage of this new bill will shift Colorado in reverse and undo the great bipartisan work accomplished by the General Assembly.

Now, more than ever before, we must support attainable housing options. We cannot afford to endanger the recovery that our housing stock has seen.

We cannot compromise attainable and entry-level workforce housing or the opportunity for our seniors to age in place in a home they can own.

Without a doubt, this bill will drive up housing costs for consumers and we simply can’t do that to our citizens. We urge a “no” vote. We cannot be complicit in destroying the American Dream – Colorado is better than that.

Herb Atchison is mayor of Westminster. Adam Paul is mayor of Lakewood. Marc Williams is mayor of Arvada.