What I meant was that developers will pursue higher-density projects in the short-term in lots that would have otherwise remained untouched or developed less densely had the looming prospect of restraints on growth not been there. It's not as much about the amount of projects but rather the type of projects. 

Also, Colorado can only be considered your backyard in so much as it refers to the land you own. If a resident bought into an area for it's qualities at any point in time, that shouldn't entitle them to dictate how others make use of their own land in the future and push for limits on property rights. 

Fortunately for those that prefer a lower population states, there are several alternatives not too far from Colorado.