Colorado
President Biden’s proposal to cap rent increases reopens policy split among Colorado Democrats
President Joe Biden’s proposal this week to cap rent increases in larger apartment buildings across America has elevated an idea that’s long been embraced by progressive housing advocates in Colorado — but, in a split among Democrats, is opposed by Gov. Jared Polis.
What’s more, at the local level, rent-stabilization policies are essentially illegal under Colorado law.
Unveiled by Biden as he’s sought to ward off calls to step aside in the presidential race, the plan would cap annual rent increases at 5% for properties with more than 50 units. That would cover more than 20 million units nationwide, or roughly half of all rentals in the U.S.
The plan would put valuable tax write-offs at risk as a way of getting landlords on board. A landlord who didn’t follow the cap would lose access to a tax deduction allowing them to write off depreciation as properties age. Though exact numbers would vary, several housing experts told The Denver Post that the write-off is substantial.
The proposal, which faces long odds to becoming law, would also exempt new properties in an apparent bid to blunt the common criticism that rent caps stifle development.
Biden’s plan comes as rental and home prices have surged in Colorado over the past several years. Simultaneously, evictions have increased sharply: A record number were filed in Denver last year, and data shows the city is on pace to smash that record again in 2024.
The high cost of housing is a top concern of Coloradans, polls have consistently shown, and state lawmakers have proposed sweeping housing reforms in recent years.
But the near-supermajority of Democrats in the state Capitol have at times sparred over how best to address the crisis.
“We were very happy to see President Biden’s announcement because this would prevent corporate landlords from engaging in what’s happening right now, which is the continuous and unchecked gouging of rent prices, forcing renters to either pay for the roof over their heads or feed their families or get critical medications,” said Carmen Medrano, the co-chair of Colorado Homes for All. The housing coalition has backed legislation to allow local governments to enact rent caps.
Colorado law now prohibits cities from passing rent stabilization or rent control policies. Recent legislative attempts to drop that prohibition have been unsuccessful amid opposition from Polis and other Democrats.
But Biden embracing the policy is a shot in the arm for advocates who have argued that rent caps are vital to protect vulnerable tenants. Medrano pointed to a 2023 survey that showed 60% support among Coloradans for rent control policies in their local communities.
What Polis and other opponents say
Still, the cap faces an uphill climb: Biden is fighting for his political life amid concerns from voters and senior members of the Democratic Party about his ability to campaign and to beat Republican Donald Trump in November.
Even if the president stays in the race and wins, the November election also will determine which party controls each chamber of Congress. Anything short of a Democratic trifecta in the White House and in Congress would likely spell doom for rent cap legislation, assuming that there would be sufficient support even among elected Democrats.
Given that Democrats in Colorado have repeatedly clashed over the issue, that’s not a certainty, either.
Biden’s proposal this week was met with opposition from the landlord lobby and from Polis. On the social media platform X, he argued Biden’s rent cap would stifle development and increase costs.
In recent legislative sessions, Polis has pursued a supply-side approach that seeks to eliminate local barriers to development. While he and Democrats had success on that front this year, those reforms — and the denser apartment development they promise — will take years to bear fruit.
Polis spokeswoman Shelby Wieman declined an interview request about Biden’s rent caps proposal. In a statement, she wrote that Polis “knows this will take congressional action, which is unlikely to occur, and looks forward to the many discussions ahead on the ways to save Americans money on housing. The President’s interest in this issue is a good first step.”
Rent caps have received more attention in recent years as housing prices have rocketed nationwide. Oregon now caps annual rent increases at 7%, plus an inflation factor (coming out at 10% this year). St. Paul, Minnesota, passed a 3% cap in 2021, but policymakers rushed to add exemptions shortly afterward as development cratered.
The debate around the policy’s efficacy has continued, too. The Biden administration pointed to a New York University white paper that argues that “broad-based” regulations and relatively high caps would be effective if paired with subsidies for lower-income earners. Opponents have repeatedly maintained that rent caps are broadly counterproductive, and a 2018 Brookings Institution report argued they’re helpful to tenants in the short term — but harmful in the long run.
Drew Hamrick, a senior vice president with the Colorado Apartment Association, derided rent caps as failed policies. He said they benefit tenants who are lucky enough to get into a price-controlled unit, but otherwise they stifle development and limit on-site improvements.
“Fully at the mercy of corporate landlords”
Still, those concerns may be alleviated by a nationwide — rather than city-by-city — approach, Hamrick and others said.
While one city’s enacting of rent caps may spur developers to look elsewhere, a nationwide approach would help neutralize landlords’ ability to search for greener pastures. The Biden administration’s proposed exemption on new builds theoretically blunts fears that property owners would get out of building apartments altogether.
“The fact that it would have a nationwide impact eliminates that,” Hamrick said. “But it still has the chilling effect on investment overall. What you worry about is that these retirement plans and insurance companies that basically fund the construction of housing in the U.S. start to find better places to park their money than real estate investment because there are artificial caps.”
State Rep. Javier Mabrey, a Denver Democrat who has sponsored renter-friendly legislation — including last year’s attempt to repeal Colorado’s rent control prohibition — said Biden’s proposal advances a debate within the Democratic Party about “what kind of party we want to be.”
He argued the plan was reflective of the reality facing renters, which is that “if you don’t own a home right now, you’re fully at the mercy of corporate landlords seeking unlimited profits.”
“I think the cost of rent — yes, it’s somewhat tied to costs that the landlords incur,” Mabrey said. “But more often than not, landlords across the country are charging as much as they can.”
Hamrick said Biden’s embrace of rent caps, even if it has come while he’s standing on rickety political legs, signaled a boost for rent cap advocates.
“It certainly puts it on the table for a greater level of discussion,” he said. “Whether it changes people’s minds on the wisdom of it, I don’t know. But the fact that you and I are even talking about it is a redirect result of the (Biden announcement).”
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Originally Published:
FBI personnel and local police are investigating an attack in Boulder, Colorado that occurred at an event raising awareness for the Israeli hostages, Deputy Director of the FBI Dan Bongino said in a post on Twitter/X.
On Sunday afternoon, a man threw Molotov cocktails at participants of a weekly walking group that raises awareness for the hostages in Hamas captivity.
Local media reported that five people were burned. The injuries range “from very serious to more minor,” Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn said, according to Reuters.
One eyewitness said that one woman was so badly burned that she had to roll on the ground to put the fire out. Walla reported that children were among the five injured.
The suspect, an adult male, is now in custody, Reuters said.
In videos of the attack circulated on social media, the suspect is seen walking and shouting “end Zionists” and “Palestine is free” while holding bottles containing clear liquids.
The video of an alleged terrorist from Boulder Colorado has emerged. He is heard saying “end Zionists” few times, also screams “Palestine is Free” at 28-29 second mark pic.twitter.com/uVNdVpcwlQ
— Michael Elgort (@just_whatever) June 1, 2025
Local authorities said that they could not confirm whether or not it was a terror attack at the time of publication.
FBI personnel are on the scene in Boulder, Colorado, along with local law enforcement.We are investigating this incident as an act of terror, and targeted violence. All of the necessary assets will be dedicated to this investigation. If you have any investigative tips please…
— Dan Bongino (@FBIDDBongino) June 1, 2025
“We are saddened and heartbroken,” Boulder’s Jewish Community said in a post on Facebook. “When events like this enter our own community, we are shaken. Our hope is that we come together for one another.”
“Our hearts go out to those who witnessed this horrible attack, and prayers for a speedy recovery to those who were injured,” the statement said.
FBI, police investigating Boulder attack
FBI Director Kash Patel said on Sunday that the agency was aware of and fully investigating the potential terror attack.
While he did not provide further details, Patel said in a post on social media: “Our agents and local law enforcement are on the scene already, and we will share updates as more information becomes available.”
Police are asking the public to avoid the expanded evacuation area, they said on Twitter/X. So far, they have evacuated the 1200, 1300, and 1400 blocks of Pearl Street between Walnut and Pine, Colorado, according to local reports.
We have just expanded the evacuation area https://t.co/yHXHs6YdZn pic.twitter.com/5Gt8AUdu6P
— Boulder Police Dept. (@boulderpolice) June 1, 2025
The weekly walking group, Run for Their Lives, noted that their walk was not a protest, but rather a peaceful gathering to raise awareness for the hostages in Gaza.
“This is not a protest; it is a peaceful walk to show solidarity with the hostages and their families, and a plea for their release,” the organization said in a statement, as reported by CBS News.
Colorado governor, Israeli diplomats react
“Hate-filled acts of any kind are unacceptable,” Colorado Governor Jared Polis said in a Twitter/X post.
“My thoughts go out to the people who have been injured and impacted by this heinous act of terror,” he said.
I am closely monitoring the situation in Boulder, and my thoughts go out to the people who have been injured and impacted by this heinous act of terror. Hate-filled acts of any kind are unacceptable. While details emerge, the state works with local and federal law enforcement to…
— Governor Jared Polis (@GovofCO) June 1, 2025
The Israeli consulate in Los Angeles said that it was monitoring the situation and that it had contacted local law enforcement and the Boulder Jewish community.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that the attack was caused by antisemitic tropes spread in the media.
“Shocked by the terrible antisemitic terror attack targeting Jews in Boulder, Colorado,” he wrote in a statement on X/Twitter.
“This is pure Antisemitism, fueled by the blood libels spread in the media. I spoke with our Ambassador in the US and our Consul General in LA. I pray for those who were wounded in the attack.
Colorado Attorney-General Phil Weiser said that he believed that the attack was a hate crime because it targeted members of the Jewish community.
“This attack appears to be a hate crime given the group that was targeted,” Colorado Attorney-General Phil Weiser said in a statement.
“People may have differing views about world events and the Israeli-Hamas conflict, but violence is never the answer to settling differences. Hate has no place in Colorado. We all have the right to peaceably assemble and the freedom to speak our views. But these violent acts—which are becoming more frequent, brazen and closer to home—must stop and those who commit these horrific acts must be fully held to account,” he said.
Jewish Federation proposes steps to Trump administration
“The attack in Boulder is another example of a wave of domestic terror aimed at the Jewish community. This must be the highest priority for the Trump Administration and Congress,” a statement from the Jewish Federations President and CEO Eric D Fingerhut said on Sunday.
The statement outlined six steps that the organization believes the Trump administration should implement, including increasing funding for defense and security organizations that protect Jewish institutions, and aggressively prosecuting antisemitic hate crimes and violence.
Looking to make this summer one for the books? Denver, Colorado is bursting with unforgettable experiences, sunshine-filled adventures, and mountain magic that make it the perfect playground for a bucket list summer. Whether you’re a local rediscovering your city or a visitor chasing Rocky Mountain highs, here’s how to make the most of summer in the Mile High City.
- Catch a Concert at Red Rocks
No Denver summer is complete without experiencing a live show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Surrounded by towering sandstone formations and under a canopy of stars, this iconic venue offers more than just music. It’s a moment you’ll never forget. - Sip and Stroll Through RiNo
The River North Art District (RiNo) is a hub of creativity, with colorful murals, funky breweries, and trendy food halls. Spend an afternoon exploring the alleys, grabbing a craft beverage, and sampling bites from Denver’s thriving culinary scene. - Hike a 14er
For the adventurers, summiting a Colorado 14er (a mountain over 14,000 feet) is a badge of honor. Mount Bierstadt and Grays Peak are popular and accessible options for beginners. Just start early and hydrate! - Cool Off with Paddleboarding
Head to Sloan’s Lake or Cherry Creek Reservoir for a chill day on the water. Rent a paddleboard, pack a picnic, and enjoy the sun with the city skyline or mountain backdrop. - Explore Union Station
Downtown Denver’s Union Station is more than a transit hub. Sip coffee at local cafes, shop at the bookstore, or enjoy a craft cocktail at The Cooper Lounge with views of the historic architecture. - Attend a Summer Festival
The city is buzzing with energy all summer long. Check out coloradoparent.com/calendar for the most up-to-date events around town, and soak up the culture, music, and community vibes. - Sunset at Washington Park
Pack a blanket and head to Washington Park for one of the best sunset views in town.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – An intersection is being repaired after a traffic crash early Saturday morning, according to the Colorado Springs Police Department.
Police reportedly received a call at 2:01 a.m. regarding a traffic crash at East Bijou Street and I-25.
The crash involved one vehicle that had one person inside. Police say the man, 39-year-old Jose Rodriguez, attempted to run from the scene but was apprehended in the area.
Police believe Rodriguez was under the influence of alcohol, and he was arrested for various traffic-related offenses. Rodriguez was served and released on a summons and issued a court date.
The intersection is undergoing repair related to the traffic crash and has no working traffic lights.
Eastbound and Westbound Bijou Street will be treated as a four-way stop. City barricades are on scene and are placing signage to indicate this.
The northbound off-ramp from northbound I-25 will allow for an eastbound turn onto East Bijou Street, but the northbound through lane across East Bijou Street will be closed.
At the time of this article’s writing, an estimated time of reopening for the intersection is noon or later.
Copyright 2025 KKTV. All rights reserved.
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