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.
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
Arvada Chamber Hosts 2024 County & State Candidate Forum
On September 20, 2024, nine candidates running for State Senate, State House, or Jefferson County Commissioner took the stage at the Arvada Chamber's Candidate Forum. The forum, hosted at Revive Church, welcomed all the candidates to dig into the biggest issues that...
Six Takeaways from the State of the Economy
By Ryan Hecht, Marketing Director at the Arvada Chamber On July 19, the Arvada Chamber hosted the State of the Economy to provide a comprehensive economic forecast to our business leaders, policymakers, and community members. The event was presented by Dr. Elizabeth...
2024 Colorado Session: 26 Bills Your Business Needs to Know About
Now that the dust has settled from the 2024 legislative session, and the veto pen of the Governor has been used, Arvada Chamber Advocacy KAPS Council, the Jefferson County Business Lobby (JCBL), and lobbyist Jeff Weist from Weist Capitol present 26 Bills Your Business...
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