The Colorado Association of Ski Towns (CAST), which represents many of Colorado’s mountain resort communities, has not yet adopted a formal 2027 legislative agenda. However, the organization continues to advocate for several long-term policy priorities that could significantly impact the short-term rental industry and Colorado’s tourism economy.
CAST’s highest priority is expanding local government authority to generate revenue for workforce and affordable housing. The organization supports legislation that would expressly authorize counties and municipalities to ask voters to approve dedicated taxes on short-term rentals, with revenue directed toward affordable and workforce housing. CAST argues that providing housing for the tourism workforce is essential to maintaining healthy resort economies.
CAST also supports legislation authorizing local vacancy taxes on homes that sit empty for much of the year. The organization views vacancy taxes as a tool to encourage greater housing utilization while generating funding for workforce housing programs. Although discussions have acknowledged that actively rented short-term rental properties may not fit the traditional definition of “vacant,” the details would ultimately be determined through future legislation and local ballot measures.
A third priority is granting local governments authority to adopt real estate transfer fees dedicated to affordable housing. CAST believes additional revenue options are necessary as mountain communities face increasing infrastructure demands, workforce shortages, and housing costs associated with tourism growth.
Overall, CAST’s legislative efforts do not seek statewide regulation of short-term rentals. Instead, the organization consistently advocates for expanded local control and new fiscal tools that allow individual resort communities to address housing impacts associated with tourism. COSTRA will continue monitoring CAST’s legislative activities throughout the 2027 session, particularly for proposals involving local short-term rental taxes, vacancy taxes, and other measures that could affect Colorado’s vacation rental industry.