Under the Dome: Governor Unveils Affordable Housing and Land Use Proposal

Priola, Marchman Pushed to Vote Against Transportation Sneak Attack

The long awaited and much anticipated affordable housing bill, Senate Bill 23-213 was unveiled by Governor Jared Polis last week. The NCLA will consider the over 100-page proposal during its board meeting this week. The proposal outllines a series of statewide policy provisions including an overlay of statewide minimum standards for local governments to follow in their land use decision making related to housing, parking and higher densities in identified regions of the state. Further, the state, the plan articulates, “shall set Strategic Growth Objectives to incentivize growth in transit-oriented areas, infill areas, and strategic and efficient growth at the edges of urban areas.”

In presenting the measure the Governor and advocates noted the proposal’s benefits to driving housing options that are “more affordable and use less energy, water and land.” The plan contemplates the state standards around future growth in the state to serve as a “’north star’ to guide state, regional, and local entities as they make funding and planning decisions with the objective to make “progress towards state goals around cost savings for residents and governments, reduced water consumption, lower greenhouse gas and air pollution emissions, and reduced loss of open space and agricultural lands.”

Fort Collins, Loveand and Greeley, by their community size, would be subjected to policy standards applicable to “Tier One” municipalities including:

A required housing needs assessement and plan.
- Housing Needs Plans are the mechanism for municipalities to report implementation efforts for ADUs, Middle Housing, and Transit Oriented Communities/Key Corridors.
Accessory Dwelling Units and “Middle Housing”
- Give property owners the option to build ADUs and Middle Housing (duplexes, townhomes, triplexes, quadplexes, multiplexes up to 6 units) within existing residential areas.
- Projects that meet the standards must be administratively approved by the municipality.
- Municipalities may not require new off-street parking for these housing types
Transit Oriented Communities and Key Corridors
- TOC and Key Corridors are areas where multi-family housing can be located near jobs and transit within existing urbanized area
- Zoning must meet a minimum gross density of 40 units per acre and minimum district size.
- Municipalities must approve multi-family housing in these areas administratively as a permitted use.

Affordability Barriers
- Minimum unit square footage:
  - Municipalities may not require minimum square footage for residential units,
- Family status occupancy restrictions:
  - Municipalities (and counties) may not establish or enforce residential occupancy limits based on familial relationships
- Streamlining manufactured housing:
  - Municipalities may not treat the development of manufactured/modular housing differently than the development of site built units.
- Transportation:
  - Ensure transportation planning is consistent with state Strategic Growth Objectives through updates to the following:

Municipal leaders across Colorado, through the Coloado Municipal League, are expressing strong opposition to the measure claiming it usurps historic and constitutional local control in the name of state interests. Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers, whose city just completed its own land-use reform, was recently quoted to say, “…apparently, we’re too stupid to understand the need for affordable housing and only the state understands what we need to do.”

NCLA Leads Coalition To Push NoCo Senators to Vote No on Surprise Transportation Funding Policy

After learning that State Senate Transportation Committee Chair Faith Winter slipped an amendment into a House bill to change representation on the State Transportation Advisory Committee (STAC) by making a complete change to how Colorado’s Transportation Planning Regions (TPRs) are defined and drawn, as described by last week’s UTD, the NCLA jumped into action to reverse the policy.

Senator Barb Kirkmeyer (R-Weld) has taken point within the Senate to rebuke the amendment. Senator Joann Ginal (D-Larimer) also opposes the amendment. The NCLA is leading a NoCo coalition with Weld County, the City of Greeley and other NoCo leaders to push Senator Kevin Priola (D-Weld/Adams) and Senator Janice Marchman (D-Larimer/Boulder) to vote against the conference committee amendment.

In a letter sent to the Senators, the NoCo Coalition shared:

“The Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance*, Weld County, the City of Greeley, the City of Loveland MPO Representative, and the Chairs of the North Front Range MPO and Upper Front Range TPR are ardently opposed to the amendment to HB 23-1101 coming out of the Senate Transportation Committee and are equally firmly opposed to HB 23-1101’s First Conference Committee Report amendment. We strongly urge your “No” vote on the motion to adopt the Conference Committee Report in the Senate.”

Arguing that there hasn’t been a call by the appropriate bodies for a change to the TPR boundaries and furthermore, processes exist internal to the Transportation Commission and the STAC for changes if there is a demand.

Northern Colorado, through our North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization (NFRMPO) and the Upper Front Range Transportation Planning Region (UFR TPR), retains two critical seats on the State Transportation Advisory Committee (STAC) of its 17 members. Based upon the criteria outlined in the report, the letter argues, it is very likely there will be a collapse of our two TPRs into one, thereby diminishing northern Colorado’s voice on the STAC with the consequential result being a diminished voice in the funding process and fewer dollars flowing to the region.

“We are ex-urban, front range communities,” the NCLA Coalition stated, “with major interstates (I-25, I-76) and highways (e.g. US 34, US 85, US 287) with significant lane miles intersecting our region with substantial, and critically important, freight, farm-to-market and passenger movement. Consequently, our interests align with maintaining the long proven and established TPR Boundaries and STAC structure, priorities, and representation.”

The Senate will take up the question of the adoption of the amendment in the conference committee report this week.

NCLA Tracking Report

On a bi-weekly basis, the NCLA Board reviews and considers its position on pending legislation. See the NCLA 2023 Legislative Tracking Report for the list of bills, thus far introduced, in which the NCLA is engaged.

Under the Dome – Transportation: Move to Undercut Rural and NoCo Presence; Future NoCo Road Projects Need Input

More bills introduced impacting business

Last week, Senate Transportation Committee Chair, Senator Faith Winter (D-Broomfield), slipped an amendment into a House bill to change representation on the State Transportation Advisory Committee by making a complete change to how Colorado’s Transportation Planning Regions (TPRs) are defined and drawn. The result would dramatically undercut northern Colorado and rural Colorado presence in state funding decisions.

The amendment to House Bill 1101 would direct CDOT to allocate the 15 TPRs based upon population and remove lane miles as a factor, orienting the majority of TPR representation to the urban, metro area core. for proportionality. The result would be a collapsing of two of the TPRs in Northern Colorado — NFRMPO and Upper Front Range TPR — into one. It would also greatly limit the number of TPR covering rural Colorado. Colorado Sun did a piece on the change and the resulting politics surrounding it.

The change was made to HB 1101 regarding “Ozone Season Transit Grant Program Flexibility”. The change has prompted a significant backlash, the Speaker of the House, Julie McCluskie of Silverthorne is intervening. It’s a bill the NCLA previously took a position to support prior to the amendment. Given the implications of the amendment, last week, the NCLA Board reversed their position to “oppose unless amended.” The Speaker has assured us that she intends to strip the amendment in a conference committee.

NoCo’s Key Roadway Corridors Call for Support

The 2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) is in development by the North Front Range MPO and northern Colorado’s regional roadway’s need community support to be positioned to secure funding. A process undertaken every four years, the RTP is used to funnel regional priority transportation and transit projects into the Colorado Department of Transportation’s 10-year funding plan. Each project is prioritized based on multiple factors including the input of community regaring needs and preference.

In order to assure the plan has input from the perspective of assuring roadways are adequately funded in the near and long term, we invite you to take a few minutes to participate in their online “Corridor Visioning” project for the 2050 RTP which allows community input into the critical planning process. This plan will set the tone for the next four years of project investment throughout the region. As an NCLA we’ve done a great job advocating and securing the resources for North I-25. As we continue our work there, the east west regional corridors are our next priority. You have the opportunity to “vote” for a number of the corridors in the region that are important to you. We encourage a vote for North I-25 and those key east west corridors you deem important to you. You can also expand upon your vote by commenting and answering questions about the corridor.

The site is a bit clunky. To spare you some time, scroll to the bottom of under the dome for an overview of the key links.

More Bills Impacting Business Introduced

The NCLA Board will consider a series of new bills just introduced in the last 10 days. Leading the measures is Senate Bill 23-172 regading “Protecting Opportunities and Worker’s Rights”. A revisit of the issue that was defeated in less friendly political environment, the bill expands the definition of workplace discrimination or unfair employment practices within Colorado anti-discrimination laws. Among other provisions included in the bill are the following:

Adds a new definition of harass or harassment and repeals the current definition of harass that requires creation of a hostile work environment;
Adds protections from discriminatory or unfair employment practices for individuals based on their marital status;
Specifies that in harassment claims, the alleged conduct need not be severe or pervasive to constitute a discriminatory or unfair employment practice;
For purposes of the exception to otherwise discriminatory practices for an employer that is unable to accommodate an individual with a disability who is otherwise qualified for the job, eliminates the ability for the employer to assert that the individual’s disability has a significant impact on the job as a rationale for the employment practice;
Specifies that it is a discriminatory or an unfair employment practice for an employer to fail to initiate an investigation of a complaint or to fail to take prompt, reasonable, and remedial action

Labor

SB23-172. Protecting Opportunities And Workers’ Rights Act

Transportation and Land Use

HB23-1233. Electric Vehicle Charging And Parking Requirements

Economic Development

SB23-175. Financing Of Downtown Development Authority Projects

Oil/Gas

HB23-1242. Water Conservation In Oil And Gas Operations

Health Care

HB23-1243. Hospital Community Benefit

HB23-1227. Enforce Laws Against Pharmacy Benefit Managers

2050 Regional Transportation Plan

Thank you all for participating in North Front Range MPO 2050 Regional Transportation Plan corridor priority survey. It’s super important! Click here to begin!

First Page: For the region’s critical roadways corridors, click on box #2: “2050 Corridor Visioning: Regionally Significant”.

Next Page: In the right column, you can click on the specific project to expand and “vote”. Alternatively, you can click on one of the colored lines in the map and the corridor will also expand in the right column. At the top of the page, where you see “02 / 05” this is where you can navigate to “transit” and “active” corridors as well.

Next: Once you click on a corridor, in the map or in the right column, the details of the corridor expand beneath the roadway title. Scrolling down within in that information frame will bring you to the “heart” and “speech” links. This is where you “vote” for the corridor as a priority. You can vote for as many corridors as you wish by going back to each in the list.

Lastly, you can offer “comments” and feedback on the corridor when you click on the “speech” bubble and the comment section expands. Comment is not required to vote for a corridor, however.

Thank you all for participating in North Front Range MPO 2050 Regional Transportation Plan corridor priority survey. It’s super important! Also, feel free to share the survey with your work colleagues and friends.

NCLA Tracking Report

Under the Dome: Tougher Air Quality Policy Concept Revealed

New Layer of Permitting Would be Imposted Upon Oil/Gas Sector

On the heels of the EPA decision last summer to designate the Denver Metro Area and the North Front Range in “severe non-attainment” of their strict air quality standards, environmental organizations and progressive legislators have been crafting a measure to impose stronger emission restrictions and permitting requirements upon all industry sectors. The plan was revealed in a policy concept paper shared with NCLA and some stakeholders last week.

The concept paper revealed a new layer of permitting requirements for all “non-road” engines including the filing of a construction permit with the Air Pollution Control Division (APCD) and a newly required Air Pollutant Emission Notice (APEN) for new and broader classes of industry sectors.

Additionally, the oil and gas sector, already under the regulatory authority of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and the strict rules established by Senate Bill 19-181, would be required to secure a construction permit by the APCD, as stated specifically, “a person shall not commence oil and gas operations without first receiving permit approval from both APCD and COGCC”.

Why it matters: The bill and new regulatory scheme is intended to establish for industry and further hobble the oil and gas sector and key industry sectors to strike at the new air quality non attainment status. Certain legislators have lamented that the COGCC has not regulated the o/g sector “as 181 intended” and are using the regulatory processes under the APCD to accomplish their objective of shutting the industry down. In so doing, they also severerly undermine all other industry sectors.

What’s Next: Bill Sponsors Senator Faith Winter and Representative Jennifer Bacon will introduce the measure in the coming weeks with the backing of the Environmenal Defense Fund, Conservation Colorado and EarthWorks.

Status Report

House Bill 23-1190 Affordable Housing Right of First Refusal Opposed

Creates a right of first refusal for a local government to match an acceptable offer for sale of a residential or mixed use, multi-family property for use as long term affordable housing. The bill is scheduled for its first hearing on Tuesday, February 28. NCLA Vice Chair Joe Rowan will testify on behalf of the NCLA before the Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee conveying our opposition due to the market implications of the approach.

House Bill 23-1118: Fair Work Week Opposed

Since the bill’s delay in committee last week, sponsors have been working on amendments to satisfy sufficient number of committee members to pass the bill out of committee. The bill has been rescheduled for committee action on Thursday, March 2^nd. Sponsors will share amendments this week.

House Bill 23-1215: Hospital Facility Fees.

NCLA Board will consider newly introduced HB 1215 which proposes to prohibit Hospitals from charging facility fees for outpatient services and certain diagnostic and imaging services. Concerns have arisen around loss of revenue for hospitals as costs are alleviated for the consumers.

NCLA Tracking Report

Under the Dome: Fair Work Week Bill Stalled in First Committee

Market Undermining Affordable Housing Measures Looming

In the face of strong business opposition, the onerous Fair Work Week measure stalled in its first committee last week. After hours of testimony from supporters and opponents, action on the bill was delayed until a later date, signaling that sponsors of the measure do not have the votes to get the bill out of the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee.

Larimer County’s Representative Judy Amabile (D) chairs the Committee. She joined NCLA for their monthly Board meeting with the northern Colorado Legislative Delegation the morning of the hearing. This provided additional opportunity for board members to share their opinions on the bill ahead of the committee hearing. Rep. Amabile noted her concurrence in opposition to the introduced version and the proposed amendments circulated the day before.

NCLA Board Chair David Burks, Sweetheart Winery in Loveland, shared the NCLA position in opposition to to the measure and amendments noting, “XX.”

Greeley Chamber members David and Jessica Zumbrun of Chicken Salad Chick restaurants and Brian Seifried of Centennial Hospitality Group, owner of 12 restraurants across northern Colorado including Sexy Sammies, Wing Shack and Luna’s Taco and Tequila, expressed their dismay in testimony before members of the Business Affairs and Labor Committtee at the proposed legislation that threatens their businesses..

The NCLA joined the Colorado Restaurant Association, Colorado Retail Council and Chambers of Commerce across state, to stand firm against the bill that dicates to employers operating with hourly employees how they schedule time, compensate for changes and guarantee minimum time.

Beyond restaurant and retail, the measure will have a broad reach affecting thousands of private and public employers by placing new restrictions on scheduling practices ultimately negatively affecting the very employees the bill intends to help.

What does House Bill 23-1118 do? The bill requires restaurants, retail and others to pay employees:

“Predictability” pay when changes are made in their work schedule,
“Rest shortfall” pay when they don’t have enough rest between shifts,
“Retention” pay if work hours are given to a new employee without first offering to them, and
“Minimum weekly” pay equal to 15% of average weekly hours.

What’s next? Delaying committee action on a bill is a strategic move by sponsors to try to persuade enough votes to vote for the measure. It’s anticipated to be a futile exercise by sponsors, however. No word on when the bill will be rescheduled for action.

Affordable Housing Bills Looming; Government Right of First Refusal First Up

A large number of legislative bills are anticipated to be introduced on the topic of affordable housing, one of the top three identified issues to be addressed this session. The concern around affordable housing has a range of solutions for the range of challenges encountered in different parts of the state.

Fort Collins Representative Andew Boesenecker (D) introduced one of the first swings at the problem by offering a solution that could have significant market repercussions. House Bill 23-1190 creates a right of first refusal for a local government to match an acceptable offer for sale of a residential or mixed use, multi-family property for use as long term affordable housing.

The NCLA Board took an oppose position on the introduced version due to the market implications of the approach. During NCLA’s call with NoCo Legislators last week, Rep. Boesenecker noted his strong interest in continued dialogue about the approach. The Colorado Realtors Association has expressed significant doubt about the measure’s efficacy.

Meanwhile, the NCLA took a position to support an alterntive approach to affordable housing, HB23-1189 that creates a state income tax credit for employers who make a monetary contribution to an employee for use by the employee in purchasing a primary residence. The bill was introduced by Joint Budget Committee Chair and Vice Chair, Senator Rachel Zenzinger and Representative Shannon Bird respectively.

Other measures introduced or still to be introduced:

HB 23-1115: Repeal Prohibition on Local Residential Rent Control
HB 23-1171: Just Cause Requirement Eviction Of Residential Tenant
HB 23-1075: Prohibited Provisions In Rental Agreements
Restrictions on Institutional Investments in Real Property
Short Term Rental Regulations
Building Density Requirements and Building Codes

NCLA Positions on Bills

The NCLA took the following positions on pending measures:

Affordable Housing

HB23-1189. Employer Assistance For Home Purchase Tax Credit Support

HB23-1190. Affordable Housing Right Of First Refusal Oppose

Natural Gas/Energy

HB23-1134. Require Electric Options In Home Warranties Oppose

Labor

SB23-046. Average Weekly Wage Paid Leave Benefits Oppose

NCLA Tracking Report

Under the Dome: Fair Work Week Bill Faces Strong Business Opposition

Measure Scheduled for First Committee Hearing; Call Your Legislator

House Bill 1118, more recognizably known as the “Fair Work Week” bill, is facing strong opposition from the collective Colorado business community, including the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance. The NCLA joins Chambers of Commerce across state, industry organizations and the NFIB in standing firmly against the bill that dicates to employers operating with hourly employees how they schedule time, compensate for changes and guarantee minimum time.

Leading the opposition are the trade associations directly in the cross hairs of the legislation — the Colorado Restaurant Association and the Colorado Retail Council. Beyond restaurant and retail, however, the measure will have a broad reach affecting thousands of private and public employers by placing new restrictions on scheduling practices ultimately negatively affecting the very employees the bill intends to help.

What does HB 1118 do? The bill requires restaurants, retail and others to pay employees:

“Predictability” pay when changes are made in their work schedule,
“Rest shortfall” pay when they don’t have enough rest between shifts,
“Retention” pay if work hours are given to a new employee without first offering to them, and
“Minimum weekly” pay equal to 15% of average weekly hours.

Amendment proposals by sponsors expand the reach of key sections of the measure to be applicable to all employers.

The NCLA is opposed to this measure as a significant overreach into the employer management of his business and operations with employees.

We invite our Chamber members to join the NCLA Board of Directors in reaching your legislator to convey your opposition to HB 23-1118. Our position – and your talking points – are the following:

HB 1118 hurts small and independent business owners. The bill applies to small & independent businesses that have more than one location in CO. The bill defines a “chain” as 2 or more food, beverage or retail establishments” that operate under the same trade name and branding features, regardless of the ownership type of each individual establishment.

Required 14-Day notice of work schedule increases costs & hurts workers. It is nearly impossible for employers to determine staffing needs 2 weeks in advance. Fluctuations in business are typical. Modifications offered by sponsors make exceptions for emergencies, weather conditions, and unexpected absences but the requirement remains overly onerous. Research has shown that penalizing employers for making adjustments less than 2 weeks in advance incentivizes them to schedule fewer workers for shifts to avoid potential penalties.

Creates inflexible requirements: The bill requires an employee’s written consent for additional hours and shifts to be added to their schedule. The provision creates burdens upon employees while removing flexibility for employers to meet the needs and unexpected demands in their business.

Creates litigation for employers & employees:

To avoid discrimination claims, new accommodations are created that employers must meet that don’t align with existing discrimination laws
“Adverse action” definition conflicts with current laws creating a rebuttable presumption of retaliation if action occurs within 90 days of employee’s activity

Ultimately, employees lose under HB 1118.

Employee’s experience in other states that have passed less onerous scheduling restrictions report hardships and limited opportunity as a result of the laws in their states. Further, employees find the ability to hire new and talented staff is constrained as existing employees will receive hours of preference while new employees are left with less desireable shifts. ‘

Call or write our Northern Colorado legislators to share your thoughts and opposition to HB 1118.

Rep. Jennifer Lea Parenti (Weld) jennifer@parentiforcolorado.com
720-645-6554

Rep. Gabe Evans (weld) gabe.evans.house@coleg.gov
303-243-1791

Rep. Judy Amabile (Larimer) judy.amabile.house@coleg.gov
303-517-4698

Chair, House Business Affairs and Labor Committee

Rep. Mary Young (Weld)
mary.young.house@coleg.gov
970-381-5056

Rep. Cathy Kipp (larimer) cathy.kipp.house@coleg.gov
970-219-5267

Rep. Andrew Boesenecker (Larimer) andrew.boesenecker.house@coleg.gov
970-825-4155

Rep. Ryan Armagost (Larimer) ryan.armagost.house@coleg.gov
970-685-0565

Rep. Mike Lynch (Larimer) mike.lynch.house@coleg.gov
970-214-4272

NCLA Tracking Report

Governor’s Issue Mash Up

Affordable Housing and Water Crisis Leverage for Climate Agenda

Leveraging against the crisis in affordable housing and water across Colorado, Governor Jared Polis will converge the issues with key agenda items driving his climate change agenda to usurp long standing local control of transportation, land use and growth.

Expect to see one large bill proposal, still in formation, that mashes together state mandated requirements for higher densities, transit utilization, water conservation, stricter building codes, and ‘smart growth’ requirements. The Colorado Municipal League and Colorado Counties Inc joins the NCLA in bracing for the drop of the measure being crafted behind closed doors.

The Governor’s office with the Colorado Departments of Transportation (CDOT), Local Affairs (DOLA), Natural Resources (DNR) and the Colorado Energy Office are converging their authorities and expertise to craft the multi-faceted measure.

Slew of Labor Issues Drop on Business
Fair Workweek Employment Standards. Job Application Fairness Act. Ensure Equal Pay For Equal Work. Additional Uses Paid Sick Leave. Employer Notice Of Income Tax Credits. Unemployment Compensation Dependent Allowance.

Despite the positive names and bill titles, the NCLA Board of Directors voted to oppose each of measures that will have detrimental economic effect on employers if passed. NCLA joins with our partners in the business community in opposing the bills that do the following:

HB 1118: Fair Workweek Employment Standards: (OPPOSE) Requires restaurants, retail and others to pay employees “predictability pay when changes are made in their work schedule, rest shortfall pay when they don’t have enough rest between shifts, retention pay if work hours are given to a new employee without first offering to them, and minimum weekly pay equal to 15% of average weekly hours. The NCLA is opposed to this measure as a significant overreach into the employer management of his business and operations with employees.

SB 58: Job Application Fairness Act. (MONITOR) SB 58 prohibits employers from inquiring about a prospective employee’s age, date of birth, and dates of attendance at or date of graduation from an educational institution on an employment application.

SB 105: Ensure Equal Pay For Equal Work. (MONITOR) As a follow up to the 2021 Equal Pay for Equal Work, SB 105 mandates a number of other requirements upon employers in their hiring and job posting practices including requiring employers to provide specific information to all employees regarding the candidate selected for the each job and promotional opportunities within a company.

SB 17: Additional Uses Paid Sick Leave. (OPPOSE) The bill mandates the expansion of the use of paid sick leave to allows an employee to use accrued paid sick leave when the employee needs to care for a family member whose school or place of care has been closed due to inclement weather, loss of power, loss of heating, loss of water, or other unexpected occurrence or event that results in the closure of the family member’s school or place of care. NCLA opposes the mandated expansion of eligible reasons for taking paid sick leave as it creates undue burden upon employers when most employers are agreeable on case by case basis to certain circumstances for leave.

HB 1006: Employer Notice Of Income Tax Credits. (OPPOSE) The bill requires an employer to provide to its employees written notice of the availability of federal and state earned income tax credits, federal and state child tax credits, and any additional content that the department of revenue prescribes. NCLA Board member Ben Aste testified on behalf of the NCLA in opposition to HB 1006 last week.

HB 1078: Unemployment Compensation Dependent Allowance. (OPPOSE) The bill creates a dependent allowance for an individual receiving unemployment compensation for each of the eligible individual’s dependents equal to $35 per dependent per week, and increases annually for inflation if necessary. NCLA opposes the bill as additional financial pull upon the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund will prolong or threaten the imposition of the UI Premium Surcharge on employers to restore post-COVID solvency of the fund.

NCLA Tracking Report
On a bi-weekly basis, the NCLA Board reviews and considers its position on pending legislation. See the NCLA 2023 Legislative Tracking Report for the list of bills, thus far introduced, in which the NCLA is engaged.

Welcome to the 74th General Assembly

Expanded Democratic Majority will Drive Legislative Agenda in 2023

The 2022 Election brought with it a significantly expanded Democrat majority at the statehouse. Democrat leadership interpreted the outcome to a be a mandate of the policies they wrought in the last two years, not the resounding rubuke of the continuing presence of former President Donald Trump and a tattered GOP. As a result, the business community will face unprecedented policy and political challenges in 2023 Legislative Session which got underway last week.

Among the pomp and circumstance of the opening week, which saw the Inauguration of Governor Jared Polis for his second term, were the remarks of leadership in both bodies by both parties providing insight into the goals and the roles of each. Below a summary of their remarks with links to the entirety of each:

Opening Day Speeches

President of the Senate Steve Fenberg

Not well known for bi-partisanship in his prior role as Senate Majority Leader, the President, for whom this was his first opening day speech, worked to set a tone for collaboration and statesmanship but made it clear he and his party have a mandate. From his speech, the following emerged:

Statesmanship and a Mandate

“This session, let’s do what the Senate was designed to do: slow down when needed. Authentically deliberate. And solve real problems for real people. Let’s not rush to judgment because of who the sponsor is, the title of the bill, or the party that’s supporting it. We are much more likely to grow or change our minds when we know and understand other people who have different views. That’s how we begin to see that the “other” isn’t an enemy – they simply have different life experiences, different traditions, and different values that are held sacred. So that’s my challenge for all of us this year. Build those relationships. I’m not advocating for my party to look at these historic majorities and decide not to utilize them. The voters clearly gave us a mandate.

Climate

“We will continue to bring down our emissions, prioritize getting our air quality under control, conserving and improving water quality, and do everything we can to protect our landscapes from devastating wildfires.”

Housing Costs

“Let’s work together and fix this problem before we turn into San Francisco. How will we grow – will it be done in a way that prioritizes denser housing along transit corridors? It’s not too late to pursue smart growth–our air quality, our pocketbooks, and our quality of life depend on it.”

Gun violence

“We lost more than 1,000 Coloradans to gun violence in 2021. Yes, it’s a mental health issue. But it’s also an economic justice issue. And a public safety issue. And an education issue. And, yes, it is also a gun issue. That is why this session we will prioritize preventing gun violence. So if local law enforcement can’t – or won’t – be the ones to bring the issue to a judge, others like district attorneys and counselors can and will.

Public Safety

“Let’s work together this year to pass real policy that ends this spike in crime. Let’s give last year’s bipartisan fentanyl bill a chance to work. Any changes should be based on science and data, not politics.

Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen

Colorado Faces Challenges

“Empty store shelves–and runaway unaffordability, a season of rising crime that will continue to expand unless we commit to a culture that honors law and law enforcement. A public school system that is hemorrhaging quality teachers and failing to meet the needs of far too many students unless we fund and focus on students instead of the system. Water shortage crisis that will desiccate our grandchildren’s future unless we are serious about storing the precious resources to which we are legally entitled. A future where energy is unreliable and unaffordable unless we wisely use the best carbon transition fuels we have and explore alternative energy options, like nuclear. A recession appears to be at our shared doorstep and the government continues to grow faster than family budgets. The people we represent, the whole people of Colorado, say they do NOT like polarized politics.

Republican’s Participation, even if the Minority

“It is our duty that the voices of people who find themselves in the minority in this season of Colorado’s history be heard and shared. The saying in this body is that the minority gets their say, and the majority gets their way. But we are intent to do more than just talk. We insist to be full participants in the legislative process in this chamber, and will offer our best, constructive suggestions for making the future laws of this state better.”

Speaker of the House Julie McKluskie

Moment of Silence and Remembrance of Minority Leader Hugh McKean

“Hugh embodied everything that it means to be a statesman. He went about his work in this building the right way, and everyone respected him for it. His wit and his joy filled this room, as did his booming voice and his laughter.”

Affordability

“This year, we will redouble our efforts to make Colorado more affordable by reducing the costs of a family’s largest expenses, often housing, health care, and child care. Housing is central to every person’s ability to live, work and play. That’s why we have taken landmark steps to build more affordable homes and expand our housing stock. We passed the largest property tax reduction in the state’s history, strengthened the state affordable housing tax credit, created a housing tax credit for seniors, and directed hundreds of millions to help local communities address homelessness and preserve mobile home parks. I strongly believe that high-quality, accessible health care is essential for every Coloradan.

Investment in Education & Affordable Child Care

“We are committed to making yet another meaningful investment in public schools, higher education, and workforce development. Data shows that nearly one-third of the median family’s budget goes to child care, a figure that’s even higher in our rural counties. Not only is this simply unsustainable for families, it strains our workforce by making it harder for new parents to return to work and reduces what they can spend in our local economies. Starting this fall, every four-year-old in Colorado will have access to free universal preschool. So far, over 850 providers across the state have signed up with the Department of Early Childhood Education to provide a total of nearly 29,000 slots for early childhood education. These efforts will give more Colorado kids a head start while saving parents money and helping them get back to work.

Water

“Agriculture communities, wildlife, the future of our public lands, our environment, ski areas, growing cities, suburbs, and every person and family in our state depends on water. Water should unite us, not divide us.”

House Minority Leader Mike Lynch

The People’s House and the People are in Charge-

“The bottom line of our initial establishment for this great land is that we come from a heritage of ensuring that the people are in charge, not us in this chamber. I implore you to remember it is not you that sits in those seats, it is the thousands of people who put you there. Most of them you agree with, but some of them you do not. Those voices are important as well. Those voices are the ones, the minority represents here today. The voices that continue to believe in limited and smaller government, property rights, and school choice. Those Coloradans who understand there is no such thing as government money, but understand it is their money as government has no way of producing income outside of our individual successes. Entrepreneurs and business owners who feel they are over-taxed and over-regulated and who support multiple energy choices in our state. The people in the rural parts of this state that ensure we have food on our table everyday.

NCLA Tracking Report

Resources & Recordings: 2022 Regional Issues Summit

Presented by the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance on December 14, 2022

Because…it matters. NCLA Regional Issues Summit.

Northern Colorado is the epicenter for vibrant economic growth. But current public policy decisions and regulatory action could have significant economic implications.

Policy decisions matters. A vibrant economy matters. You matter.

The Regional Issues Summit presented by NCLA on December 14, 2022 featured keynotes and panels of high-level decision makers, experts and business leaders.

More than 100 business professionals and community leaders attended the 2022 Regional Issues Summit.

Program & Agenda
2022 Regional Issues Summit: Welcome & Water Panel
2022 Regional Issues Summit: Sponsor Recognition and Lobbyist Panel
2022 Regional Issues Summit: Workforce & Labor Panel
2022 Regional Issues Summit: Transportation Panel & Closing

The Regional Issues Summit is presented by the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance, the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, the Loveland Chamber of Commerce, the Greeley Area Chamber of Commerce and Upstate Colorado.

Thank you to the 2022 Regional Issues Summit sponsors.

Gold Sponsors: Elevations Credit Union

Silver Sponsors: BizWest, Ent Credit Union and UCHealth

Bronze Sponsors: iHeart and Woodward

Event Sponsors: Canvas Credit Union, Jet Marketing, North Forty News, Northern Engineering Services, OfficeScapes and Sign-A-Rama

This event will be recorded and shared by NCLA Partner organizations. A virtual or hybrid option is not available for day of participation. A ticket will be required for admittance.

2022 Regional Issues Summit

Presented by the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance
Wednesday, December 14, 2022
7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Blue Bar and Grill at the Budweiser Event Center, Loveland, CO

Because…it matters. NCLA Regional Issues Summit.

Northern Colorado is the epicenter for vibrant economic growth. But current public policy decisions and regulatory action could have significant economic implications.

Policy decisions matters. A vibrant economy matters. You matter.

Engage and join the conversation about the policy decisions affecting you, your business, our region and our state. The Regional Issues Summit will feature keynotes and panels of high-level decision makers, experts and business leaders. And you. Join us for the 2022 Regional Issues Summit!

Panels, Keynotes and Q&A (speakers to be announced)

More than 100 business professionals and community leaders are expected at the Regional Issues Summit.

Cost to attend: $20

Register today to save your spot! Click here to Register.

Thank you to the 2022 Regional Issues Summit sponsors.

Gold Sponsors: Elevations Credit Union

Silver Sponsors: BizWest, Ent Credit Union and UCHealth

Bronze Sponsors: iHeart and Woodward

Event Sponsors: Canvas Credit Union, Jet Marketing, North Forty News, Northern Engineering Services, OfficeScapes and Sign-A-Rama

This event will be recorded and shared by NCLA Partner organizations. A virtual or hybrid option is not available for day of participation. A ticket will be required for admittance.

CDOT Commits to Full Funding of the Expansion of the Remaining Stretch of Two-Lane Section of North I-25

Business and Community Leaders Respond

On Wednesday, Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Colorado Transportation Innovation Office (CTIO) announced their plan to the Colorado Transportation Commission to fully fund the 7-mile North I-25 Express Lane “Segment 5” from State Highway 56 (South of Berthoud) to State Highway 66 (North of Longmont).

“Segment 5” was the last remaining two-lane stretch of North I-25 that was not fully funded. The $350 Million commitment comes from a combination of funding from CDOT’s 10 Year Plan and a federal TIFIA (Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act) loan that will be repaid from toll revenues from the Express Lane. The Transportation Commission committed nearly $1 billion to build Segments 6 through 8, from Berthoud to Fort Collins, in 2018.

Until Wednesday’s decision, full funding of the final segment was undefined.

The commitment assures the North I-25 Express Lane extends from Fort Collins to Longmont. The 10-year plan, however, is silent on building the I-25 Managed Express Lane south of Longmont to E-470 (Segment 4) to provide a continuous managed lane from Fort Collins to Denver, despite the call for such improvement throughout the corridor, including this segment, to address continued growth in the region in 2011 Environmental Impact Study and Record of Decision.

The following are statements from the Fix North I-25 Business Alliance, a taskforce of the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance and the North I-25 Coalition, the government leaders along the North I-25 corridor.

“Eight years ago, the Fix North I-25 Alliance and the North I-25 Coalition called for expansion of North I-25 from two lanes to three by 2025. This interstate is one of the most economically significant roadways in Colorado and nationally and Wednesday’s announcement finally answered our call and vision for Northern Colorado. We commend CDOT leadership including Executive Director Shoshana Lew, CTIO Director Nick Farber, CDOT Region 4 Director Heather Paddock and Transportation Commissioner Kathleen Bracke for their commitment to finish the job to invest in the backbone of Northern Colorado.”

—Sandra Hagen Solin, Fix North I-25 Business Alliance (NCLA)

“We thank Director Lew, the team at CDOT, and CTIO for finding a funding creative solution like leveraging TIFIA loans to address the very real safety concerns in Segment 5. We’re also encouraged that progress over the last few years to improve reliability, safety, and reduce congestion in other segments along North I-25 will not be a lost now that funding for Segment 5 is found as all segments of North I-25 must work for a fluid system.

“We celebrate this decision as a victory, but our work is not done – it is only the first step. The full EIS design for North I-25 calls for a 3+1 lane configuration. Nearly $75 million is being invested in multi-modal hubs at Highways 119 & 56 and at Centerra. For the commuter to see their taxpayer dollars at work, these hubs need the predictability of a managed lane all the way to Union Station. Our work continues.”

–Weld County Commissioner, Scott James, Chair of the North I-25 Coalition

“The real winners in this decision are Northern Colorado businesses who rely on a working, functional roadway for commerce and freight as well as the ability for their workers to commute with more ease. And, with Colorado’s population increasing 31 percent over the last two decades, the entire state stands to benefit. We thank CDOT and the CTIO for their leadership in moving this vote forward.”

–Ann Hutchison, President/CEO, Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

Northern Colorado is United

Northern Colorado is united in its efforts to assure full funding of North I-25. Together, the North I-25 Coalition and Fix North I-25 Business Alliance, represent the local governments and the business community of the Northern Colorado region.

The North I-25 Coalition, founded in September 2013 and chaired by Weld County Commissioner Scott James, encompasses local government Mayors, Commissioners and Councilors representing entities – counties, cities, and towns – along the I-25 corridor.

The region’s business community founded the Fix North I-25 Business Alliance in early 2014. The Alliance, chaired by Ann Hutchison (Pres/CEO, Fort Collins Chamber), is a project of the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance, the joint advocacy arm of the Fort Collins, Loveland and Greeley Chambers of Commerce with Upstate Colorado and One NoCo Economic Development.