With states and localities across the country grappling with housing challenges, Western Governors have identified housing as a fundamental issue to tackle this year. Many Governors specifically mentioned housing as a key pillar of their agenda in their State of the State addresses earlier this year and pledged to champion policies that would make housing more accessible and affordable.  

Notably, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham chose to leverage the collective resources and knowledge of her fellow Western Governors by spearheading the BRAND West initiative report, which will be released at WGA’s upcoming Annual Meeting in June. The report is the culmination of a year-long effort that engaged housing experts from around our region and across the country. It features case studies from the West and offers actionable policy recommendations to help address the housing crisis. 

Elsewhere around the West, many state legislative sessions have wrapped up or are nearing their completion. As promised, Western Governors are signing important housing bills or are otherwise taking action to address housing needs in their states.  

In Washington, Governor Bob Ferguson signed a suite of bills last week to address affordable housing. The bills cover everything from property tax relief for veterans to construction incentives for “middle housing.” The Governor also signed House Bill 1217, which protects Washington families from sudden, large rent increases.  

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong also signed important legislation on housing affordability recently, with a landmark property tax relief and reform package designed to ease the burden on North Dakota homeowners. Property tax reform was a top priority laid out by the Governor shortly after he assumed office in December.  

In Colorado, Governor Jared Polis also signed a flurry of housing-related bills this week to kick off his 2025 statewide bill signing tour. The housing bills largely focused on ways to reduce barriers to new housing construction and make housing more affordable. Among the bills was a measure to increase condo construction, a law to cut the cost of connecting new builds to water lines and other infrastructure, and reforms to design standards to make apartment construction more efficient.   

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo is also pushing for new housing policy during this year’s legislative session. Governor Lombardo has proposed AB540, which would help develop middle-income housing and establish a $250 million fund to support housing projects in the state. The Governor has said that the $250 million will unlock more than $1 billion in new workforce and attainable housing projects, according to reporting from the Nevada Independent.  

Governor Lombardo has also been vocal in his efforts to release certain tracts of federal land for housing development, given the Silver State’s large share of federal land – the highest in the country.

In California, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new affordable housing development on underutilized state land in Sacramento. The project will transform a former state-owned warehouse into 241 new homes for low-income families in Sacramento, following the Governor’s 2019 executive order to identify underutilized state properties for affordable housing development.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox also signed a number of important bills this session that support the Governor’s strategic plan for housing. Find a detailed breakdown of Utah’s housing bills in reporting from Utah News Dispatch.  

New Mexico business accelerator: on Tuesday, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced a global business accelerator to boost foreign direct investment in the state.

Known as NMexus, the center will equip companies from India, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia with the tools and knowledge to successfully expand operations into New Mexico and the greater U.S. market.

“Today’s exciting announcement is the result of my administration’s strategic efforts to recruit and retain new businesses in New Mexico, which has a longstanding reputation as a leader in innovation,” said Governor Lujan Grisham. “The NMexus Center sends an unmistakable message to the rest of the world: New Mexico is open for business.”

The center is equipped to serve 40 companies a year and is expected to generate nearly 100 jobs in its first year and 1,500 jobs within five years.

Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference: next month, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy will host the 4th Annual Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference in Anchorage. The Governor announced this week that he will be joined by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.  

The conference will focus on the future of energy in Alaska, including the growing impact of artificial intelligence and data centers, the latest advancements in nuclear and renewable power, the responsible development of oil, gas, and mineral resources, and other energy topics.

“I started the Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference four years ago to highlight the unrivaled resources and potential Alaska has to offer our great nation and our allies,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy. “I look forward to hosting Secretary Burgum, Secretary Wright, and Administrator Zeldin in the Last Frontier.” 

Hoh Rain Forest access: last week, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson officially re-opened the main access road to the Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park alongside elected leaders, tribal representatives, small business owners and others who made the reopening possible.

The road had been closed for months after it was damaged during last November’s bomb cyclone. Governor Ferguson directed funds from the state’s Economic Development Strategic Reserve Account to fix the road after it became clear that it may not be completed before the peak summer tourism season.  

“The Hoh Rain Forest is a critical economic driver for the Peninsula,” Governor Ferguson said. Opening this road not only ensures the hundreds of thousands of annual visitors have the chance to enjoy a natural wonder, but it also protects jobs and tourism dollars that local economies depend on. I’m grateful to have played a part in it, but the local community coming together is what made it possible.” 

Utah GRIT for government efficiency: in Utah, Governor Spencer Cox recently signed an executive order to launch GRIT – Government Reform, Innovation & Transparency – the state’s new initiative to improve government efficiency.  

The initiative will encourage every state agency to build on the state’s reputation for transparency, innovation, and efficient problem solving.  

“Utahns deserve a government that listens, adapts, and delivers,” said Governor Cox. “We’re not here to maintain the status quo — we’re here to make things better. GRIT is about building a culture where every employee is empowered to solve problems, and every taxpayer sees the results.” 

Great Elephant Migration: if you happen to be in Jackson, Wyoming in the next few weeks, don’t miss your chance to see 30 life-size elephants on display at the National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States. The installation will feature 30 sculpted elephants, each uniquely representing an elephant living in southern India. Each is crafted using Lantana camara, a destructive invasive weed in India.  

The display began its migration across the country in Rhode Island, making stops along the way before it wraps up in Los Angeles in July. It seeks to highlight coexistence between wildlife and humans. The museum will house the display from May 17 through June 20.