Housing policy is one of those rare issues that touches everyone—whether you’re a renter, homeowner, or someone just trying to find a place to live. But solving the housing crisis? That’s a whole different ballgame.
As seen in states across the country, it takes more than good intentions; it requires real teamwork and a broad-based coalition. The secret to success lies in the unity between lawmakers and governors. When both sides of the aisle and branches of government come together, we see real progress. When they don’t… we’ll get to that.
Colorado and Montana: When (ALMOST) Everyone’s on the Same Page
In Colorado, Governor Jared Polis has been making moves to tackle housing issues head-on. Last year, he signed six land use bills aimed at boosting development and affordable housing options across the state. These reforms were the result of bipartisan efforts, showing that when legislators and the executive branch work together, meaningful change can happen.
Montana offers another success story. Governor Greg Gianforte launched a bipartisan Housing Task Force in 2022, which led to significant zoning reforms, dubbed the Montana Miracle, in 2023. These changes have made it easier to build more housing, addressing the supply shortage that has plagued the state.
Both governors made it clear to the legislative branch that a lack of substantive action on housing was not an option. Their leadership can compel lawmakers to act, but that is only part of the battle. Cooperation with the legislative branch is what has made the defense in these Mountain-West states.
Starter Homes: The Importance of Leadership Beyond The Legislature
Arizona and Minnesota have both tried to address the need for more starter homes in multiple sessions, but they’ve hit some roadblocks like just about every state where housing reform is on the legislative agenda. What sets these two states apart from others is the lack of cohesion between legislative leaders and the Governor.
Last year in Arizona, Gov. Kathy Hobbs (D) vetoed the state’s Starter Home Act. This session the bill died due to continued opposition from the governor. Similarly, Minnesota’s efforts to pass the state’s “Starter Home Act” as part of a comprehensive reform package was met with silence from Gov. Tim Walz (D)
On the flip side, Texas has made strides in this area. In 2025, the state passed Senate Bill 15, allowing for smaller homes on smaller lots—a move aimed at increasing affordability. This success was largely due to the leadership of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R), who prioritized the bill and helped build a broad coalition of support.
In all three states, lawmakers pressed forward with reforms, but it was the presence of the executive branch in Texas that made the difference.
Governors Going Solo: The Limits of Executive Action
Governors cannot do it alone. Some governors have tried to tackle housing issues through executive action alone, with mixed results.
Govs. Kathy Hochul (D-NY), Brian Kemp (R-GA) and Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) have all elevated the issue of housing in their states but have not found the willing partners at the legislative level that Govs. Polis and Gianforte had.
The Bottom Line: Collaboration is Key
Housing reform isn’t easy, but it’s essential. The examples from Colorado, Montana, and Texas show that when governors and legislators work together—across party lines—they can enact policies that make a real difference. Conversely, efforts that rely solely on one branch of government often face hurdles that can stall progress.
If we’re serious about addressing the housing crisis, it’s time for more states to embrace collaboration.
