04/14/2026
SEND LETTER TO YOUR STATE REP: https://bit.ly/3Q0trVz
House Bill 26-1119, “Authority for Different Mill Levy Rates,” would allow local governments to tax land at a higher rate than the improvements (structures) built on it, fundamentally changing Colorado’s property tax system.
What it does:
The bill creates a split-levy system that separates land and improvement values for taxation, moving away from Colorado’s longstanding approach of taxing total property value.
Impact on property owners:
This change would create instability and higher tax burdens for many homeowners—especially those in areas with rising land values. Long-time owners, retirees, and those on fixed incomes could face higher property taxes based solely on land value, potentially forcing them to sell. First-time buyers and participants in affordable housing programs may also be priced out of established communities. The proposal further disadvantages single-family homeowners while favoring higher-density rental properties, creating inequities across housing types.
Why we oppose it:
HB 1119 undermines fairness and uniformity in our property tax system. The bill creates clear inequities between owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied housing. By lowering taxes on high-density structures while increasing taxes on properties with more unused land, such as single-family homes, the proposal unintentionally favors rental housing over homeownership. It also introduces significant administrative challenges, increasing assessment appeals and straining local governments, particularly in smaller communities.
Colorado’s current property tax system is stable and well-functioning, and more effective tools already exist to encourage development without creating unintended consequences.
For these reasons, we strongly oppose HB 26-1119 and will continue to advocate for fair, predictable property tax policy.
SEND LETTER TO YOUR STATE REP: https://nar-co.action.aristotle.com/
