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
B.O.L.D. 2026 Policy Changes Forum Recaps a Furious Finish to the 2024 Legislative Session
By Katie Winner (For The Win Communications, Ltd.) At the B.O.L.D Policy Changes Forum, hosted by the Arvada Chamber of Commerce, veteran business reporter and current Colorado Chamber of Commerce Vice President Ed Sealover summed up the 74th General Assembly session...
Arvada Chamber Provides Arvada Housing Strategic Plan Letter of Support at May 20th City Council Meeting
On May 20, 2024, Arvada Chamber of Commerce Board Members attended the Arvada City Council Meeting to share support for the Arvada Housing Strategic Plan 2024 update. The Arvada Housing Strategic Plan sought to explore and implement strategies related to the goals of:...
Mayor Simpson Highlights Major Achievements and Projects in Annual State of the City Address
On Friday, April 19, newly elected Arvada Mayor Lauren Simpson delivered the Annual State of the City Address to over 100 attendees inside Revive Church. In the hour speech, Mayor Simpson addressed achievements, issues, and upcoming projects for the City of Arvada....
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