Currently, school districts in Colorado can only lease out their unused property for a maximum of 10 years. This bill removes that 10-year limit but only for specific uses:
Solar Fields – School districts can lease land for solar energy projects, supporting renewable energy initiatives.
Affordable Housing – School districts can lease land for affordable housing projects, which could help provide housing for teachers, staff, or the broader community.
Purpose of the Bill:
Encourages long-term investments in renewable energy.
Supports affordable housing solutions, especially in high-cost areas.
Gives school districts more flexibility in how they use their unused land.
By allowing longer lease terms, the bill makes it easier for developers and investors to commit to solar or housing projects on school district land.
Summary
Current law limits to 10 years the length a school district can lease
district property not needed for its purposes. The bill allows a school district to lease district property for any term of years for purposes of a solar field or affordable housing.