B.O.L.D. 2026 Initiative
Advocacy
Our B.O.L.D. 2026 Advocacy Goal
Strengthen the business environment to ensure economic opportunity for all.
Summary
We will ensure elected leaders who effectively represent business interests in legislative and policy matters at the local, regional, state and national levels.
2024 Arvada Voter Guide
This year, Arvada ballots will include federal, state, and county elections, as well as several propositions. In our 2024 Arvada Voter Guide, find overviews of Proposition 131, Jeffco 1A, and Question 7A, as well as a breakdown of the candidates for State Senate, House, and County Commissioner.
Upcoming Advocacy
Events
“All About The Ballot” Webinar
Wednesday, October 16
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Zoom Event
Zoom link will be provided with registration.
Join us for the All About the Ballot Webinar, where we will explore key ballot measures impacting our businesses. This virtual event features presentations from proponents and opponents of Jeffco 1A: Revenue Retention, Proposition 131:Top-Four Ranked-Choice Voting Initiative, and 7A: Keep Colorado Moving, providing a balanced perspective to help voters make informed decisions. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of these important issues before casting your vote!
State of the Region
Friday Oct 18, 2024
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Revive Church at The Bridge
8270 W. 80th Ave
Arvada, CO 80005
Jefferson County’s Annual State of the Region event offers a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape, spotlighting key achievements, ongoing challenges, and emerging opportunities. The highlight of this year’s gathering is the exclusive unveiling of a pioneering collaborative regional housing strategy, promising to address one of the county’s most pressing issues with collaborative solutions.
Hear From:
Arvada Mayor Lauren Simpson
Edgewater Mayor Steve Conklin
Golden Mayor Laura Weinberg
Jefferson County Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper
Lakewood Mayor Wendy Strom
Westminster Mayor Nancy McNally
Wheat Ridge Mayor Bud Starker
Our B.O.L.D. 2026 Advocacy Work
Catalyze a coordinated regional approach to improve our business environment through advocacy
- Advocacy KAPS Council
- Jefferson County Business Lobby
- Advocacy Champions Program: Sign up to receive updates!
Increase policy leader engagement with the business community
- February 21: JCBL 2024 Day at the Capitol
- Sign Up for Opportunities to Testify and Engage Elected Officials
- 2023 Candidate Bootcamp
Monitor and Influence Local and State Policy Decisions that impact businesses and our economy
- 2024 Policy Pillars Overview
- Legislative Bill Tracker
- Advocacy Action Newsletter
- Capitol Watch and Other Advocacy Updates
- Watch: “New Laws For 2024” Employment Law Webinar
- 2024 Colorado Session: 26 Bills Your Business Needs to Know About
- B.O.L.D. 2026 Policy Changes Forum Recaps a Furious Finish to the 2024 Legislative Session
“New Colorado Laws 101” In these detailed blog posts, learn more about important state laws, including eligibility, key dates, and the requirements for businesses.
B.O.L.D. 2026 – Advocacy
Challenges and Barriers
Government-imposed financial and regulatory burdens.
- State policy decisions have created costly, labor-intensive challenges for businesses as they work to comply; recently passed legislation includes: Paid Family Leave (Prop 118); Energy Performance for Buildings (HB21-1286); Insurance Premium Property Sales Severance Tax (HB21-1312); and increasing the minimum wage standard across the state
- In its 2021 “Top States for Business” ranking, CNBC rated Colorado relatively high overall, BUT in the:
- “Business Friendly” category, CNBC ranked CO #29 and gave the state a grade of “C”
- “Cost of Doing Business” category, CNBC ranked CO #38 and gave the state a grade of “D+”
- In 2021, the Arvada Chamber opposed 61% (11/18) of business regulation bills because of their inevitable negative impact on business
- Candidates and elected officials (at all levels of government) do not have the information they need to have a full view of the implications for business of various policy and legislative decisions
Opposition to growth.
- Coordinated citizen opposition has created an environment that will be recognized as anti-business by developers and business prospects
- Frequent lack of pro-business voice in community growth conversations and public meetings
The Latest News
Regional Housing Strategy Unveiled at 2024 State of the Region
Hosted on October 18, 2024, Jefferson County’s Annual State of the Region event brought together a diverse group of local leaders, business representatives, and community stakeholders to discuss the evolving landscape of the county. This year’s gathering was...
2024 Arvada Voter Guide
The Arvada Chamber of Commerce has complied a 2024 Ballot Voter Guide to help voters easily learn more about the issues and candidates.
Arvada Chamber of Commerce Hosts 2024 Candidate Bootcamp
This month, the Arvada Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2023 Candidate Bootcamp, a two-part series designed to help foster the mutual understanding and opportunity that exists between those who serve our region and the businesses that drive the local economy.
B.O.L.D. 2026 Goals
1
Grow Your Talent
Grow our talent to meet the needs of employers and job seekers.
2
Increase Stock of Workforce Housing
Increase the stock of workforce housing to ensure workers can attain housing within reasonable proximity to their jobs.
3
Increase Childcare Capacity
Increase Childcare Capacity to enable caregivers to join / rejoin the workforce and give children the quality early learning experience they need to thrive.
4
Strengthen Business Environment: Advocacy
Ensure elected leaders effectively represent business interests in legislative and policy matters at the local, regional, state and national levels.
5
Strengthen Business Environment: Entrepreneurship
Increase our ability to provide direct one-on-one support and broader collective resources to all businesses.
B.O.L.D. 2026 Accomplishments to Date