What really happens at the Colorado Capitol, and how do legislative decisions impact homeowners, renters, Realtors, and Colorado mountain communities?

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 pull back the curtain on Colorado's legislative process and explore the policies shaping housing across the state.

Brian oversees government affairs, lobbying efforts, political advocacy, ballot initiatives, and policy strategy for Colorado Realtors. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in public policy and political strategy, he helps translate real-world housing challenges into meaningful conversations with lawmakers.

Together, they discuss:

• Colorado's housing shortage
• property rights
• housing affordability
• workforce housing
• vacancy taxes
• land use policies
• insurance challenges
• wildfire mitigation requirements
• the role of Realtors in public policy
• and why local elections matter more than many people realize

This episode offers a practical look at how legislation affects everyday property owners and why Colorado's future housing challenges will require thoughtful collaboration across political lines.

In This Episode

• Why lobbyists serve as "institutional memory" in government
• The biggest housing issues discussed during the 2026 legislative session
• How unintended consequences impact housing policy
• Why Colorado faces a housing shortage of more than 100,000 units
• The debate around vacancy taxes and property rights
• Workforce housing challenges in Colorado mountain towns
• Why insurance availability may be the biggest housing issue facing Colorado
• The growing impact of wildfire mitigation requirements
• How post-closing occupancy agreements affect buyers and sellers
• Why getting to know candidates before elections matters

Memorable Quotes

"Lobbyists are institutional memory."

"We understand your intent, but the real-world application may produce the opposite result."

"Insurance keeps me up at night."

"Politics trumps policy every single time."

"The best time to meet your friends is before you need them."

Guest Information

Brian Tanner
Vice President of Public Policy
Colorado Association of Realtors

Website: http://www.coloradorealtors.com

Real Estate in the Rockies is the podcast exploring Colorado mountain real estate, housing, land use, development, zoning, community growth, and mountain living in Salida, Buena Vista, Chaffee County, and communities across the Rockies.

Hosted by Colorado real estate attorney Ashley Kappel and local realtor Jessica Chariton, the show brings together developers, community leaders, housing experts, investors, and local voices to break down the conversations shaping mountain towns today.

Whether you’re buying property in Colorado, navigating real estate development, exploring affordable housing challenges, or simply interested in the future of mountain communities, Real Estate in the Rockies delivers real conversations and local insight from the people living and working in these communities every day.

Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for new episodes every week.

Connect with Jessica: https://jessicachariton.homesmartpreferredrealty.com/

Connect with Ashley: https://www.collegiatepeakslawandmediation.com/

Please share this podcast with anyone who is interested in Real Estate development, Community Conversations about living in Colorado Mountain Towns.