B.O.L.D. 2026 is a five-year regional economic strength and resiliency initiative of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber developed BOLD 2026 in consultation with private and public sector leaders and partners in Arvada, Jefferson / Adams Counties, Metro Denver and the state of Colorado. Below is a monthly update on initiative outcomes for investors, members, Champions, and the community.
May 2023 Highlights
Arvada Chamber to Support Work-Based Learning Incentive Program, Providing Businesses up to $10,000
We recently announced we will support the state’s Work-Based Learning Incentive (WBLI) Program, which accepts applications from Colorado-based employers for reimbursements of up to $10,000.
In May 2022, the Colorado State Legislature passed Senate Bill 22-140, creating the WBLI Program. The $3 million program aims to increase and expand the number of work-based learning opportunities available to youth and adults across Colorado by incentivizing Employers to create new or enhance existing work-based learning programs through May 31, 2024.
2023 Advocacy Scorecard
Every year, hundreds of policy changes are proposed that will impact the health of Arvada businesses. Through the Advocacy KAPS Council, the Jefferson County Business Lobby (JCBL), and consistent outreach to elected officials at all levels of government, the Arvada Chamber strives to stay informed on the latest developments while advocating for a strong local economy.
This year, the Chamber’s Advocacy KAPS Council prioritized positions on bills related to business regulation, childcare, housing and workforce. This 2023 Advocacy Scorecard documents the Chamber’s position on dozens of bills at the 2023 session and each legislative outcome. Read more about each bill and the Chamber’s position at our 2023 Bill Tracker.
Arvada Chamber Releases Third “Work-Based Learning Toolkit” to Complete Series on Workforce Skill Development
The Arvada Chamber, in collaboration with education, business and non-profit partners, announced the release of its third Work-Based Learning Toolkit to help guide businesses through considerations of expanding a work-based learning (WBL) program.
The Work-Based Learning Toolkit Part 3 helps guide a business after its first successful WBL experience towards a sustainable, long-term program. In this third and final toolkit, we discuss varying steps to review and consider when expanding your work-based learning program.
“Better Than Expected”: 2023 Legislative Session Recap
Better than expected. That was the emerging theme of this past legislative session at the Arvada Chamber Community Impact Forum: Legislative Recap 2023. As big-picture bills ended their journey in the halls of the capitol, a panel of local experts and elected officials from Arvada broke down the good, the bad, and the ugly of legislation impacting employees, employers, and our community.
Colorado Gives Foundation Kicks Off “Bring It Home” Fund
On May 17, Colorado Gives Foundation (formerly Community First Foundation) hosted a kick-off event for its $15 million investment to create a housing fund called Bring it Home. The fund will help bring affordable workplace housing to Jeffco, where nearly 14,000 new units are needed to meet the housing needs of the area. B.O.L.D. 2026 Co-Chairs, Matt Malone (Barber-Nichols’ President and CEO) and Kelly Dunkin (Colorado Gives Foundation’s CEO and President) spoke at the event.
“We want to help the missing middle, our teachers, grocery workers, nurses, and firefighters, who keep the most vital functions of our society functioning. The lack of workforce housing is hitting them the hardest,” said Dunkin. “And so, we have decided to use what we’ve learned about housing challenges in Jeffco and dedicate funding, energy, and passion towards bringing more affordable workforce housing home.”
The Latest Content
- May 18 | JCBL Legislative Update
- May 23 | Talent Tuesday: How to Identify the Right Mentors in Your Organization
- May 31 | B.O.L.D. Partner Spotlight: Arvada Economic Development Association‘
- June 6 | Talent Tuesday: Jeffco Schools “Career Hub” Leaders Provide Year-end Update
- June 7 | Three Traits Defining Incubadora Colectiva’s Organic Growth Model
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
- June 12 – Fundraiser for fellow B.O.L.D. Investor Chris Adams
- June 22 | B.O.L.D. 2026 Q2 Investor Briefing
- June 16 at Revive Church | State of Education
- June 29 at West Woods Golf Club | Advocacy After Hours
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