PR: LITTLETON SAYS NO TO CALI-RADO: HOMEOWNERS PREPARING TO FIGHT STATE OVERREACH

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LITTLETON, CO — After successfully defeating a proposed citywide housing density mandate on January 7, Littleton homeowners are gearing up for a bigger battle—this time, against potential state-level intervention.

“If our city leaders won’t stand up for Littleton, we will,” said Tammy Whitney, President of Rooted in Littleton, a newly formed citizens’ group. “I love this city, and like many longtime residents, I don’t want to see Colorado turn into another California.”

Across the Front Range, cities are grappling with pressure to increase housing density. Some, like Westminster, Arvada, Colorado Springs, and Northglenn, are pushing back. Others, including Littleton, Boulder, and Fort Collins, appear to be moving forward with compliance—despite significant resident opposition.

Advocates of higher-density housing argue it could make housing more affordable, reduce traffic, lower wildfire risks, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and even decrease homelessness. However, after decades of aggressive density policies, California–one of the pioneers of the housing density movement–still ranks last in housing affordability in the USA.

Littleton residents aren’t convinced density is the answer. “We heard our City Council praise the benefits of increased housing density and claim most residents supported it. Neither turned out to be true,” said Chip Block, a founding member of Rooted in Littleton.

To challenge City Council’s narrative, Rooted in Littleton funded an independent survey conducted by one of Colorado’s leading political pollsters. A total of 27,000 registered voters were invited to weigh in on density-related issues.

The results were clear:

  • 54% of respondents oppose increasing housing density
  • 76% believe any density changes affecting more than 10% of the city should be decided by a public vote
  • Residents overwhelmingly rejected claims that higher density would lower home prices, reduce traffic, increase green space, or cut wildfire risk

“The data speaks for itself—people aren’t buying what the city is selling,” Block said.

With local leaders seemingly unwilling to take a stand, Rooted in Littleton is preparing to fight both state and local level efforts to impose housing density mandates on the community.

About Rooted in Littleton

Rooted in Littleton, formerly known as Save Old Littleton, is a community-driven organization dedicated to preserving the small-town charm and beauty of Littleton while promoting thoughtful growth and development. We advocate for policies that reflect the needs and voices of residents, ensuring a balanced approach to housing, infrastructure, and city planning. Learn more at rootedinlittleton.org .

For More Information:

  • Interview requests & general inquiries: Erica Jagger, PR Manager, Rooted in Littleton – rootedinlittleton@gmail.com | 303-842-8119
  • Additional insights from Rooted in Littleton: Joe Whitney – joe.whitney88@gmail.com | 303-794-5225
  • Survey methodology questions: Courtney Sievers, Magellan Strategies – CSievers@MagellanStrategies.com