Registration Open for City's Affordable Housing Prioritization Program

Registration Open for City's Affordable Housing Prioritization Program

Published on June 09, 2026

The Department of Housing Stability (HOST) today announced the launch of Denver's new Affordable Housing Portal, a centralized online tool where prioritized applicants will be able to access pre-leasing and pre-sales opportunities on income-restricted properties. Applications for prioritized access debuted on the website today, for units that will be available beginning this fall.

The launch supports the Affordable Housing Prioritization Program, approved by Denver City Council in 2022, which gives qualifying residents priority access to a portion of newly developed or preserved affordable housing units. Residents who have experienced displacement or are at risk of it can apply for priority status directly through the new portal.

"As Denver builds more affordable housing, we need to make sure local families are first in line to reap the benefits," said Mayor Mike Johnston. "This tool makes it easier to navigate the housing market, and it will help Denverites spend less on rent without leaving the place they've long called home."

Households may qualify for the program if they have been displaced or are at risk of displacement since 2000, or if a family member was displaced from Denver between 1939 and 2000. Applicants must also meet affordable housing income qualifications. Eligible residents who apply for priority status through the portal will be considered first for units in qualifying developments during the initial 14-day marketing period.

The program applies to both affordable rental and homeownership units. Specifically, the policy applies to new or newly preserved income-restricted units receiving City support, mandatory affordable housing units created under the Expanding Housing Affordability policy (applicable to buildings with 100 or more units, or located in areas vulnerable to displacement), and affordable housing units created under other agreements with the City.

At least 30 percent of income-restricted units at applicable projects are required to be made available on a prioritized basis to eligible households. Property managers and sales teams will review prioritized applications first to identify eligible households.

Approximately 46 prioritized units are anticipated to be made available on the portal in 2026, with the first units projected for September. Approximately 84 new units are projected throughout 2027, and additional units will be added annually as new projects come online.

In addition to featuring prioritized units, the portal also provides listings of other non-prioritized affordable units. Listings include unit photos and descriptions, rent/sales price, unit sizes, eligibility requirements, and property manager/sales contacts, giving residents a clear view of what is available and where they may qualify.

"Finding an affordable home shouldn't be overwhelming," said HOST Executive Director Cole Chandler. "We're aiming to bring more transparency and efficiency to the process, while also supporting residents who have been impacted by displacement. It's a major step forward in connecting people with the housing they need."

Residents can learn more about the program and apply for prioritized status at a series of housing resource fairs offered by HOST this summer and fall. The following fairs offer opportunities to meet property managers, ask questions, and learn about available units in person:

June 20, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

College View Recreation Center, 2525 S. Decatur St.

July 11, 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Rude Recreation Center, 2855 W. Holden Pl.

July 25, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Southwest Recreation Center, 9200 W. Saratoga Pl.

Aug. 8, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Swansea Recreation Center, 2650 E. 49^th Ave.

Aug. 22, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Montbello Recreation Center, 729 Ulster Way

Sept. 5, 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Green Valley Ranch Recreation Center, 4890 Argonne Way

HOST developed the prioritization program with input from City Councilmembers, affordable housing organizations, developers, residents, and neighborhood groups. Denver is now among a small number of cities nationwide with a formalized anti-displacement housing priority.

• Housing Stability