B.O.L.D. 2026
Advocacy
B.O.L.D. 2026 (BOLD – Big Opportunities for Leaders to Deliver) 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.
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.
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
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
“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
What’s Taxing You: With Jeffco Assessor Scot Kersgaard
When it comes to taxes, Jeffco Assessor Scot Kersgaard’s ask is simple; Don’t kill the assessor! At a recent meeting of the Jefferson County Business Lobby (JCBL), the united voice of JeffCo businesses at the Colorado State Capitol, Jeffco EDC President Jansen Tidmore...
Legislation Update: Fair Work Week
In February, the Arvada Chamber called for business input on House Bill 23-1118, titled “Fair Work Week Employment Standards.” As introduced, this bill was alarming to the business community by proposing to put in place state laws around when, how and for how long an...
JCBL Legislative Update | February 23, 2023
By Jeff Weist, Jefferson County Business Lobby Things are moving and shaking at the Colorado State Capitol. The Jefferson County Business Lobby (JCBL) — the united voice of JeffCo businesses at the Colorado State Capitol – has been busy analyzing and lobbying on...
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