The Great Colorado Balancing Act - allowing for economic and strategic growth while protecting and connecting wildlife, open spaces, and our heritage. Communities continue to experience unprecedented growth and increased pressure on natural, recreational, and cultural resources, requiring a proactive approach to planning. SB24-174 directs the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to prepare a natural lands and agricultural interjurisdictional opportunities report with the intent of evaluating opportunities for achieving connectivity to open space, wildlife habitat, and other priority landscapes and preservation of agricultural land, historic and cultural resources, urban parks, and green spaces, exurban open spaces, recreational resources, wildlife habitats, and ecosystems with the greatest need for conservation and mitigation of hazards. Beginning in 2026, local and regional planning commissions must consider these vital landscapes and resources (along with other strategic planning guidance) when adopting or amending a comprehensive/master plan. Participants will be presented with the Draft Planning Guide and Playbook and asked to provide their feedback.

Experience Level: Entry Level/Early Career, Intermediate, Expert