We believe that we make better decisions about what’s best for Colorado when we bring people together who have differing views, create an environment where those views are heard and develop solutions together.
This isn’t a new idea for us. This approach was adopted out of necessity before we were even a state. Settlers raised barns together. Guides navigated Colorado rivers only by ensuring everybody’s oar was in the water.
I want to highlight two pieces of current legislation where the importance of these values comes through once again.
In 2009, the High-Performance Transportation Enterprise was created to encourage the state to find innovative ways to fund road and bridge projects across the state. In our current session, Senate Bill 172 makes significant changes to that legislation. While the bill has some ideas we support, like increased public transparency, the bill would hamper the development and execution of public-private partnerships (P3s)—our ability to work together across sectors.
With dwindling federal funds and budget uncertainty at the state level, losing the option of P3s for our infrastructure needs would put our economic growth at risk. Further, it limits our ability to work together —the very approach that we know has helped drive our successes thus far.
And, there are a number of us who agree about this issue. We are part of a coalition of over 100 businesses and associations who likewise support the availability of P3s to address our growing infrastructure needs. If you’d like to find a way to lend you voice to this effort, click here and get involved.
Another piece of legislation marks our second attempt in as many years to encourage the building of affordable condominiums.
Back in 2004 we all envisioned the increased density and housing options around each FasTracks station. But the kind of diverse housing options we hoped for won’t be built as long as condo builders face almost-guaranteed litigation.
We’re hopeful that with Senate Bill 177, led by Sen. Jessie Ulibarri, we can change that. The bill maintains mediation or arbitration of construction defect claims, requires all owners in a building be informed about a potential claim and its impacts and ensures that a majority of owners agree to filing a claim, not just a majority of the board of the homeowners’ association.
Our metro-area mayors have been leading the charge on this issue and they’re joined by the business community, builders and affordable housing advocates. (Now that’s a big tent.) We know this bill will be watched closely on all sides, and you can show your support by joining the Homeownership Opportunity Alliance.
Help us keep collaboration as our competitive edge and our primary strategy to addressing our challenges and finding the right solutions for all of Colorado.
Kelly Brough is president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.