Protecting Colorado’s open spaces from out-of-control growth is a top priority of Environment Colorado.

Transforming Our State

Photo courtesy of John Fielder.

Already, 10 acres of valuable open space and agricultural land are being developed every hour, increasing air and water pollution, putting a strain on our water supplies, and destroying wildlife habitats.

Development is transforming our urban centers as well. The Denver region’s population grew by just over two percent per year from 1990 to 2000, but freeway congestion increased by more than 28 percent a year. Statewide, traffic congestion is rising at twice the rate of population growth, lengthening commute times and increasing air pollution.

These trends will continue: Projections show that Colorado’s population will increase by more than one-third over the next 20 years—about half of that growth is expected to take place in the Denver region.

Developers Block Reform
Most Coloradans continue to support proposals to curb development, but big developers and the Colorado Association of Home Builders are pushing to further reduce the ability of local governments to enact enforceable growth plans. These plans, along with urban growth boundaries and other tools, can ensure a community’s vision for the future becomes a reality.

In 1997, the Colorado Legislature took a step backwards when it passed a law mandating that city and county comprehensive plans, which are supposed to serve as the local vision for guiding growth, were to be considered “advisory only.” The proposal was passed at the behest of development interests upset by a court decision that found comprehensive plans could be used as the basis for denying a development application.

Unmanaged Growth: A Closer Look

Traffic
Coloradans face some of the worst traffic congestion in the country: In fact, Colorado has been ranked 12th in the nation for traffic congestion. As more cars travel more miles and sit in more traffic, our air quality will continue to be degraded.

Wild Places
Our agricultural lands and open spaces are vanishing. From 1987 to 1997, 1.4 million acres of agricultural land was converted to other uses, at a rate of about 141,000 acres each year. From 1992 to 1997, the yearly average of land converted nearly doubled to 270,000 acres.

Water
Sprawl results in the inefficient use of our water resources, decreased water quality, and higher costs for our water and sewer needs. In contrast, high-density planned development may use up to 35 percent less water than low-density sprawling development.

A Responsible Growth Plan
To protect our environment and maintain our quality of life, our policy-makers must embrace the idea of responsible growth. Any new plans should:

Stop New Highways
Stop the construction of new highways, which promote development by creating easy access to previously undeveloped areas. Instead, we need more light rail and other mass transit options.

Channel Growth
Channel development into existing urban areas through a combination of stronger land use planning requirements and urban growth boundaries. This will create vital communities and preserve our open spaces without sacrificing economic development.

Preserve Open Spaces
Strengthen public funding and ownership of threatened open spaces to protect these lands from development.

End Developer Handouts
End taxpayer giveaways for sprawling developments that strain the resources and infrastructure of our communities. More efficient growth will save taxpayer dollars in communities across the state.

Success Stories
Here’s what we’ve done about sprawl:

• In 2002, RTD-Denver won legislative approval to take FasTracks, a light rail expansion in the Denver metro area, to the ballot.

• In 2001, the Legislature passed a measure requiring some counties and municipalities to create master plans.

• In 2001, the Southwest light rail line opened under budget and now has a ridership double what had been projected.

• In 1999, the Denver Regional Council of Governments created an urban growth boundary of 731 square miles surrounding the Denver metro area.

• In 1996, Amendment 16 was passed, protecting more than 3 million acres of public lands from development.

Protecting Colorado’s open spaces from out-of-control growth is a top priority of Environment Colorado.

News Releases
Report: Colorado Local Governments, Crippled By Budget Shortfalls, Could Save Billions By Curbing Sprawling Development Projects 12/11/03

Research Links Sprawl And Health: Study Finds Link Between Community Development Patterns And Level Of Active Living 8/28/03

Report: Costs Of Sprawl High: Smart Growth Choices Can Save Money, Water, Quality Of Life 3/24/03

Reports
The Fiscal Cost of Sprawl: How Sprawl Contributes to Local Governments’ Budget Woes 12/11/03

The Costs of Sprawl: Fiscal, Environmental, and Quality of Life Impacts of Low-Density Development in the Denver Region 3/24/03

Down The Drain: The Impact Of Sprawl On Colorado’s Water Supply 10/14/02

Smart Growth Hall Of Fame 2001: Ten Examples Of Good Planning Decisions In Colorado 12/5/01

Growth Management Toolkit 10/01

2001 Sprawl of Shame 9/5/01

2000 Sprawl of Shame 8/00

Photos: ArtToday.com