What Mountain Residents NEED to Know About the 2026 Session

Colorado homeowners face growing challenges around housing affordability, property rights, insurance costs, wildfire risks, and housing policy. In this episode of Real Estate in the Rockies, Ashley Kappel and Jessica Chariton sit down with Brian Tanner, Vice President of Public Policy for the Colorado Association of Realtors, to discuss the legislation and policy decisions shaping Colorado's housing future. Topics include: Colorado housing shortages workforce housing Colorado property rights vacancy taxes housing affordability wildfire insurance Colorado FAIR Plan homeowners insurance housing development Colorado elections legislative advocacy mountain town housing One of the most surprising conversations focuses on insurance. Brian explains why insurance availability may become one of the biggest threats facing Colorado homeowners, especially in mountain communities where wildfire risk, home hardening requirements, and rising premiums continue to impact affordability. The episode also explores: how Colorado housing laws are made the role of Realtors in shaping policy why some bills help while others create unintended consequences and why getting involved in local elections matters more than many people realize Whether you're a homeowner, buyer, seller, investor, or simply interested in the future of Colorado communities, this episode provides valuable insight into the policies shaping housing across the state. About Brian Tanner Brian Tanner serves as Vice President of Public Policy for the Colorado Association of Realtors. He oversees lobbying efforts, political advocacy, ballot initiatives, and legislative strategy, helping ensure that real-world housing issues are represented in Colorado's policymaking process. Website: http://www.coloradorealtors.com Chapters 00:00 Why Colorado Housing Policy Matters 01:19 Meet Brian Tanner, Colorado Association of Realtors 03:12 Why Lobbyists Matter More Than You Think 06:23 The Biggest Housing Issues Facing Colorado 08:30 The Unintended Consequences of Housing Policy 10:10 The Vacancy Tax Debate Explained 13:22 Colorado Is Short 106,000 Homes. Now What? 17:17 A Small Real Estate Law That Solves a Big Problem 22:28 What Worries Housing Experts Most? 23:52 The Insurance Crisis No One Is Talking About 25:53 Understanding Colorado's FAIR Plan 27:49 Why Mountain Communities Are Especially Vulnerable 9:11 Will Wildfire Regulations Increase Housing Costs? 30:39 The Hidden Risks of Non-Admitted Insurance 32:43 Why Colorado's 2026 Elections Matter 34:49 Meet Candidates Before You Need Them 36:31 Why Politics Drives Housing Policy 38:02 Can Housing Remain Bipartisan? 43:25 Rapid Fire with Brian Tanner 46:23 Closing Thoughts Hashtags #ColoradoHousing #ColoradoRealEstate #ColoradoPropertyRights #ColoradoInsurance #HousingAffordability #ColoradoPolitics #MountainTownLiving #ColoradoMountainTowns #RealEstateInTheRockies #ColoradoHousingMarket