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.

Short-term rentals have become one of the most emotional and controversial conversations happening across Colorado mountain towns.

But what happens when the conversation moves beyond politics and focuses on people, community, balance, and long-term planning?

In this episode of Real Estate in the Rockies, Ashley Kappel and Jessica Chariton sit down with Lisa and Summer, the founders of Rainbow Rentals, a Salida-based short-term rental management company focused on thoughtful hospitality, community integration, and helping guests truly “Live Like a Local.”

Together, they explore:

• short-term rental policies
• workforce housing
• tourism economics
• mountain town affordability
• community planning
• second home ownership
• flexible property use
• proactive vs reactive policy
• and the future of Colorado mountain communities

Lisa and Summer bring a nuanced perspective to a conversation that often becomes polarized. As both community members and property managers, they discuss the real challenges mountain towns face while also exploring how thoughtful short-term rental management can support local economies, homeowners, and tourism in responsible ways.

This episode also dives into:

• how changing regulations impact homeowners
• why flexibility matters for mountain town investors
• the hidden realities of managing short-term rentals
• balancing tourism with community preservation
• and how mountain towns can avoid becoming “empty shells” of themselves

Most importantly, this conversation highlights the importance of proactive planning and creating policies that support both residents and the long-term sustainability of Colorado mountain towns.

In This Episode

• Why mountain towns need proactive housing strategies
• The difference between reactive and intentional policy
• How short-term rentals impact local economies
• Why flexibility matters for second homeowners
• The hidden work behind property management
• What guests really want from mountain town travel
• Why “Live Like a Local” matters
• How tourism supports small business ecosystems
• The tension between affordability and preservation
• Creative housing solutions for local residents

Memorable Quotes

“We need to decide what we want to be in 20 years.”

“Growth becomes less controversial when people understand the plan.”

“We’re trying to showcase the special sauce of Salida.”

“It’s not about penalizing outsiders. It’s about proactively helping residents.”

Guest Info

Rainbow Rentals
Website: rainbowrental.net
Instagram: @staywithrainbowrentals

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.

Colorado mountain towns are changing rapidly, and the conversations around growth, housing, affordability, and community identity are becoming more complicated than ever.

In this episode of Real Estate in the Rockies, Ashley Kappel and Jessica Chariton sit down with top Colorado Realtor and business leader Treasure Davis for a thoughtful and candid conversation about what’s happening across Colorado mountain communities and why so many residents feel tension around growth and change.

Treasure Davis is ranked in the top 1% of Realtors nationally and is the founder of the Treasure Davis Team at eXp Realty, Zillow’s #1 Team in Colorado Springs. Her team has sold more than 3,500 homes and built a reputation around leadership, customer service, and community impact.

But this episode goes far beyond real estate transactions.

Together, Ashley, Jessica, and Treasure explore:

• Balancing Growth and Affordability in Colorado’s Real Estate Market
• Colorado mountain town growth
• housing affordability
• workforce housing
• tourism and second homes
• property rights
• customer service
• leadership transparency
• community planning
• mental health and housing stability
• and what it means to build thriving communities in Colorado

This conversation is nuanced, honest, and deeply relevant for anyone who lives in, works in, invests in, or loves Colorado mountain towns.

In This Episode

• Why Colorado mountain towns need long-term strategic planning
• The tension between preserving community identity and welcoming growth
• Why poor planning creates conflict around development
• What’s driving affordability challenges in Colorado
• Why customer service is declining across industries
• How Realtors can better serve communities
• The role mental health plays in housing stability
• Why collaboration matters more than competition
• What creates long-term success in real estate and business
• Why honest conversations matter in growing communities

Memorable Quotes

“Growth is good in the context of proper planning without agendas behind it.”

“It was never about you anyway.”

“Customer service is becoming the exception, not the rule.”

“Home is a place where people feel deeply loved.”

Connect with Treasure Davis

Website: http://www.coloradorealtors.com
Instagram: @treasuredavisrealtor

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.