The character of Weld County is defined by its balance of agriculture, energy, and thriving local communities. However, a significant debate is unfolding under the golden dome in Denver that threatens this balance. As your representative for state senate district 13, Colorado, I am standing firm against “one-size-fits-all” mandates that prioritize state-level control over the voices of our local residents and elected leaders.
State vs. Local Zoning: Why Denver Shouldn’t Design Our Neighborhoods
While the goal of the HOME Act is to address housing needs by allowing certain nonprofits and public institutions to develop multi-story housing, it often does so by bypassing local zoning standards. This centralized approach can overlook the specific infrastructure requirements, water resources, and unique community character that define places like Brighton and Greeley. Rather than a one-size-fits-all mandate from the state, our local communities deserve a seat at the table to ensure growth is sustainable and respects the needs of current residents.
How can we move forward together?
I am committed to finding housing solutions that empower our local experts rather than overriding them. If you’d like to see how we are advocating for these values, I encourage you to check out my Issues page or see how you can Get Involved in the conversation.
Property Tax Reality: No Housing Solution Without Relief
One of the most significant oversights in the current housing debate is the disconnect between housing supply and Affordability. Proponents of these bills argue that more supply will naturally lower costs. However, in Colorado, the “supply-side” approach is only half the battle.
To truly keep families in their homes, housing bills must be paired with permanent Weld County property tax relief. Without meaningful relief, any gains in “affordable housing” are quickly wiped out by skyrocketing tax assessments. I am advocating for a 2026 legislative package that:
- Caps Assessment Growth: Prevents the sudden, massive tax spikes that punish long-term homeowners.
- Protects Seniors: Expands property tax exemptions to ensure our seniors can age in place with dignity.
The Expert Take: Why Local Control Wins
As someone who has spent my career working with local businesses and community organizations, I know that local commissioners understand Weld County’s infrastructure better than state bureaucrats. Our county officials live here; they know which roads are at capacity and which areas have the water rights necessary for growth.
By removing the local approval process, we remove the opportunity for you, the constituent, to voice your concerns at public hearings. This is an erosion of the Conservative Values that define our state: limited government and local decision-making.
I am proud to have earned the Endorsements of local leaders who recognize that the best solutions are developed right here at home, not in a Denver office building.
Stay Informed and Involved
The 2026 session is a critical moment for the future of Scott Bright Senate Greeley advocacy. We must continue to push for common-sense policies that respect our home-rule authority and prioritize the people who actually live and work in our district.
Are you concerned about the impact of state-mandated zoning in your neighborhood?
I encourage you to reach out to my office or visit our Get Involved page to see how you can join the fight for local control. Together, we can ensure Weld County remains a place where families can thrive on their own terms.