Encouraging a solution to the lack of attainable owner-occupied housing, defending public-private partnerships (P3s) and continuing our support for education reform are among the top priorities for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce as we look toward the start of the legislative session in January.
At the Chamber, our areas of policy focus—our pillars—are infrastructure, health and wellness and education. These pillars support our economic health and job development. On Jan. 7, the first regular session of the 70th general assembly will convene. The Chamber has prepared a proactive legislative agenda to focus our energy on ensuring Colorado continues to be a competitive place to do business. This session, we encourage you to get involved in policy and let us know what issues matter to you and your business. Here’s a look at what we anticipate will be some of key areas of focus this session:
Education is the pipeline of our workforce in Colorado. We will continue to concentrate on maintaining high standards and statewide assessments, including the Colorado Academic Standards; identifying solutions for higher education funding; and ensuring the implementation of education reforms.
Infrastructure: Investments in infrastructure are needed to continue growth and development. We’ll look at funding for transportation, which includes a continued advocacy of public-private partnerships (P3s) as a funding solution; collaborating on a progressive plan for congested areas such as Interstate 70, C-470 and Interstate 25; and developing a forum for statewide conversations on transportation to develop creative solutions.
In our region we also face growing challenges in the housing marketplace; specifically, the lack of condos in Colorado. Many communities are beginning to take up this issue locally and we are continuing to work with a diverse coalition—including our metro mayors, affordable housing advocates and homebuilders—at the legislature to address this problem.
Next, we’ll continue to fight to preserve the use of tax increment financing (TIF) for key redevelopment efforts in our communities.
Health and Wellness: With one of the fittest and healthiest workforces in the nation, it’s key for us to maintain this competitive edge. We’ll continue to look at the cost and quality of health care for our businesses and patients by staying engaged with the Colorado Commission on Affordable Health Care, where member Bill Lindsay of Lockton Companies is representing the interest of businesses.
Natural resources: The diverse array of natural resources in Colorado is a part of our past and we are committed to ensuring it continues to be a big part of our future. Some of the areas we will focus on this session include ensuring responsible oil and gas development, reviewing the recommendations from the oil and gas task force and advocating for continued statewide standards. In addition, we will focus on water efficiency, reuse and storage, as effective water resource management and stable water supplies are critical for our state’s long-term success.
As with each session, the Chamber will continue to monitor and stay vigilant in protecting those issues that are important for business and ensuring that we put Coloradans to work in not just any jobs, but the very best jobs.
There are several ways to engage with us on the public policy issues we face as a business community in the state. To become involved in our public affairs committees, visit our website or contact Chelsea McLean at chelsea.mclean@denverchamber.org or 303-620-8088.
Jennifer Jones is the public affairs director for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.
[Photo by: Jim Bowen]