Your ballot is coming—and, soon! Here are a couple reminders of issues related to important economic drivers that we are supporting are on that ballot: National Western Stock Show and Denver International Airport.
Referred Question 2C asks voters to extend the lodgers’ tax, which will be used to transform the National Western Center into an economic center for animal science and agriculture and make much-needed improvements to the Colorado Convention Center. It will forge new partnerships between National Western and Colorado State University, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and History Colorado. And, some say the best news of all is that we are only extending a current tax (so folks are used to paying it) and it’s mostly funded by visitors (those who stay in our hotels). The bottom line: Help ensure our agriculture and animal science industry thrives for the next 150 years. Vote yes on 2C.
Referred Question 1A asks Adams and Denver County voters to approve an agreement for additional commercial development on DIA land. The agreement is endorsed by Gov. John Hickenlooper, local legislators, county commissioners and city council members in Adams County, Aurora, Bennett, Brighton, Commerce City, Denver, Federal Heights, Thornton and Westminster. You will also see a long list of chambers of commerce, economic development groups and other organizations from across the region on that list of supporters. Today DIA creates $26 billion in regional economic impact and supports 200,000 direct and indirect jobs. This agreement will help this economic engine get even more mileage by encouraging business and development around DIA. The agreement ensures the benefits of that economic activity are shared by all the surrounding cities and counties as well. The bottom line: Collaboration is how we do business in Colorado and this is our 2016 poster child of collaboration. Vote yes on 1A.
Also, watch your inboxes next week for our fall issue of Business Altitude, where you can see our full ballot guide for issues that matter to business.
Kelly Brough is president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.