CEDP May Newsletter
Disappointing Legislative News, Upcoming Virtual Events With Aurora Public Library, June Community Events, and more!
As May comes to a close and we gear up for June, we want to share some of the things happening across CEDP! If you’re short on time, here are a few of the highlights:
CEDP led the policy and advocacy efforts to pass HB25-1004, the first state law in the country aimed at banning the use of algorithms to fix rent prices. We hosted a press conference with the bill’s sponsors, urging Governor Polis to sign it into law. Unfortunately, Governor Polis vetoed the bill last week — but we are not giving up the fight.
CED Law is hosting a new virtual know your rights series with Aurora Public Library (find more and register to attend here)
Some of the CED Law team attended the Colorado Women’s Bar Association Convention this month!
We’re hiring! Check out our website for all of our open positions and the links to apply.
CEDP staff will be at numerous events throughout June. Check out the full list of events below, and please share with those in your community who might be interested.
Governor Polis Vetoed HB25-1004, and the Work to Make Housing More Affordable for Coloradans Continues
On May 29th, Colorado Governor Jared Polis vetoed HB25-1004, the nation’s first-of-its-kind legislation that has passed a state legislature banning large corporate landlords from using algorithmic price-fixing in the rental market. This groundbreaking bill would have been a significant step towards addressing Colorado's housing affordability crisis and protecting renters, and we’re disappointed in this outcome.
What HB25-1004 would have done is simple: it says that big landlords can’t team up with big tech to set prices and avoid competing with each other. When landlords use algorithms to cheat, rent goes up. A White House Council of Economic Advisors report shows that price collusion costs Denver renters more than $1600 a year in additional rent. This legislation would have put those dollars back where they belong: in the pockets of hardworking Colorado renters.
The data shows that for every $100 increase in monthly rent, homelessness goes up by 9%. With rents increasing $136 per month in Denver due to algorithmic price-fixing tools, this means that homelessness may increase ~10% more than it would be if rent-setting algorithms were prohibited.
Colorado is in the midst of a homelessness and housing crisis, and renters can’t afford to be nickel-and-dimed by Big Tech companies and corporate landlords. Coloradans deserve better. Big tech products that allow landlords to fix prices and avoid competition have no place in our state.
They raise prices, drive evictions, and make people homeless, which means our work here is far from over. As we reflect on our mission to keep people housed and fight against systems of economic injustice, this veto means that our work is far from over. We will keep pushing for policies that protect the people who make Colorado strong — the renters, workers, families, and young people who hold up our communities — because a just housing system should serve everyone, not just the wealthy and powerful.
Virtual Know Your Rights Sessions With Aurora Public Library
Starting in June, our CED Law team will host virtual know your rights events with Aurora Public Library! These events are a great way to learn more about rental basics, fair housing, and discrimination. Visit the Aurora Public Library website to register, and see below for the full list of events:
CED Law Attended the Colorado Women’s Bar Association Convention
This month, Haley, Camille, and Rebecca from our law firm, CED Law, attended the Annual Colorado Women’s Bar Association Convention in Vail! Camille led a roundtable discussion called “Cultivating Resilience and Community as a Young Lawyer,” and everyone had a wonderful time. Check out some pictures from the event below:
We’re Hiring
We’re hiring for several positions and would love to hear from you if you’re interested! Check out our website for more information. Open positions include:
Affirmative Homeowner Litigation Attorney
Homeowner Services Legal Fellow
Loan Officer, CED Loan Fund
Chief of Staff, CED Loan Fund
Senior Housing Compliance Manager
Bilingual Licensed Therapist II
Licensed Therapist II
Temporary Case Manager
Upcoming Community Events
Aspen Mobile Home Community Resource Fair
When: May 31st at 12 p.m. MDT
Where: Overland Substation, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Property Tax Relief Event With HOST
When: June 3rd from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. MDT
Where: 1790 W Mosier Pl, Denver, CO 80223
Know Your Rights Presentation at Centro San Juan Diego
When: June 4th at 4:30 p.m. MDT
Where: Central San Juan Diego (2830 Lawrence St, Denver, CO 80205)
Rental Basics: Move-in Best Practices (Aurora Public Library Event)
When: June 5th at 5 p.m. MDT
Where: Virtual (sign up here)
Inside Out Youth Services Pride
When: June 7th at 2 p.m. MDT
Where: Hillside Community Center (925 S Institute St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903)
EC3 Monthly Legal Clinic
When: June 18th at 6 p.m. MDT
Where: East Colfax Community Collective (1195 Newport St, Denver, CO 80220)
Unity in Community Resource Fair
When: June 25th from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. MDT
Where: 345 S Grove St, Denver, CO 80219
Rental Basics: Illegal Lease Terms & Tenant Responsibilities (Aurora Public Library Event)
When: June 26th at 5 p.m. MDT
Where: Virtual (sign up here)
CEDP in the News
Numerous news outlets covered Governor Polis’ veto of HB25-1004 and included quotes from CEDP. Here are some of the stories:
Opinion: Colorado governor missed his chance to act decisively to protect renters and working families in The Colorado Sun
Colorado’s governor vetoes landmark ban on rent-setting algorithms in AP News
'A Betrayal': Colorado's Democratic Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Algorithmic Rent-Setting in Common Dreams
Gov. Jared Polis vetoes bill that would have banned algorithm that White House said drove up Denver rents in The Denver Post
Jared Polis vetoes bill that would have restricted the use of rent-setting software, like RealPage in The Colorado Sun
Jared Polis Angers Renters After Veto of Colorado Rent Algorithm Ban in Westword
CEDP’s Sam Gilman was quoted in a 9News story about the potential consequences of federal budget cuts on Colorado renters.
CEDP’s Zach Neumann was featured in a Denver7 story about HB25-1004’s passage through both chambers of the Colorado General Assembly.
Two news outlets covered our press conference at our Denver office, urging Governor Polis to sign HB25-1004. Check out a story from Fox31 and an article in Westword.
Get Help
The Community Economic Defense Project provides rental assistance, legal assistance/representation, and resource navigation for clients facing eviction, housing insecurity, and other types of economic hardship. If you need assistance, please visit our website to get help.