B.O.L.D. 2026
Advocacy
![BOLD Logo - Edited](https://www.arvadachamber.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/BOLD-Logo-Edited.png)
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
5 Key Issues from the 2019 Legislative Session
On Friday, May 17th, the Arvada Chamber of Commerce hosted a Community Impact Breakfast to discuss “Our Impression on the Session.” A panel including Scott Chase of Politicalworks, Senator Rachel Zenzinger for Colorado, State Representative Tracy Kraft-Tharp, Senator Brittany Pettersen, State Representative Monica Duran, and Senator Tammy Story provided an overview of the 2019 legislative session. “This was one of the most significant sessions in recent memory – especially for the business community,” said Scott Chase in his keynote overview. In the 2019 session, 598 bills were introduced, carrying major weight in matters related to business, employment and education.
2018 Ballot Question Voter Guide for Arvada Businesses by Kami Welch, Arvada Chamber of Commerce
The Arvada Chamber of Commerce is committed to being a champion for your business. One of the ways we do that is by tracking legislation that has an impact (positive and negative) on businesses. The conversation that leads to a decision is focused on what is in the...
2018 Ballot Question Voter Guide for Arvada Businesses
The Arvada Chamber of Commerce is committed to being a champion for your business. One of the ways we do that is by tracking legislation that has an impact (positive and negative) on businesses. The conversation that leads to a decision is focused on what is in the best interest of our businesses today and in to the future guided by our legislative priorities as outlined below. Through a pro-business and bipartisan lens we evaluated each of the below outlined ballot questions in an effort to understand the implications if they were to pass. The conversations start with our Government Affairs Committee vetting the issues and making a recommendation to the Chamber Board of Directors. The Board then evaluates the recommendations and determines the final organization position.
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