Photo courtesy of Dave Anderson at InSync Photography + Design.
DENVER, CO—May 13, 2025—At the 2025 State of the State, leaders from the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce (DMCC) and the Colorado Competitive Council (C3) highlighted the anticipated effects of the 2025 legislative session on the business community and Colorado’s competitiveness in attracting talent and businesses. With more than 600 business leaders in attendance, this annual event, presented by Xcel Energy, also featured an address from Colorado Governor Jared Polis, who explored the biggest outcomes of session from his perspective. The event featured a dynamic panel discussion on the importance of transparency and how communities, business leaders, and constituents stay informed and engaged. Panelists included Alayna Alvarez of Axios Denver, Marianne Goodland of Colorado Politics, and Jesse Paul of The Colorado Sun, with moderation by Westword Editor-in-Chief Patty Calhoun.
During his address, Governor Polis highlighted the issues of housing, public safety, and affordability in the legislative session. The Governor celebrated how, just yesterday, he signed House Bill 1272, Construction Defects & Middle Market housing. “This [bill] will allow condo construction and give our state more starter homes [and] condos that people can buy,” said Governor Polis.
The Governor also highlighted the success of Colorado bringing the Sundance Film Festival to Boulder, stating, “we also had a major economic development victory this year, where we are the new home of the world renown Sundance Film Festival.” He emphasized that Sundance is predicted to bring in more than $2 billion in economic activity over the next decade for Colorado.
While Governor Polis celebrated some of the legislature’s wins, he also warned that looming federal cuts for Medicaid could still heavily impact Colorado. “If the federal government cuts Medicaid significantly,” said Governor Polis, “that is something obviously the state can’t backfill… commercial insurance would go up substantially if the federal government cuts Medicaid.”
In addition to takeaways from Governor Polis, attendees heard from DMCC and C3 leadership on the overall impact on the business community from this legislative session. Vice President of Government Affairs for the DMCC, Carly West, and the Vice President of Statewide Engagement for DMCC and Executive Director of C3, Rachel Beck, summarized some of the biggest business bills in the session, primarily focusing on affordability for Coloradans and businesses alike.
“The legislature is asking more and more without fully considering the costs, the complexity, or the consequences,” said West. “We hear every day about how affordability is impacting every aspect of life in Colorado – we need policies that are more in step with that reality.”
Beck continued off this, stating, “When we add up the full tab—regulations, wages, supplies, inflation, tariffs—all trending upward—it’s no wonder that we’ve fallen in every economic ranking we know of for cost of living and cost of doing business.”
Closing out the event, DMCC President and CEO, J. J. Ament, stressed the back-and-forth throughout the session that was negotiations between businesses and labor on Senate Bill 5, which would eliminate the protection workers in Colorado currently have on when they can be forced to pay fees to a labor union. “The proponents introduced the bill as a litmus test for Democrat legislators—a loyalty and allegiance standard, that quite frankly has no place in balanced policy-making,” said Ament.
“In order to protect Colorado’s unique position as a labor peace state that has served our people and our competitiveness so well, the business community faithfully and authentically offered numerous compromises with legislative leadership and organized labor to avoid this extreme an outcome,” continued Ament. “There could be no deal achieved despite the best efforts and leadership of Governor Polis… we appreciate the Governor’s sentiment on these issues, and his desire to keep Colorado competitive.”
Ament used this image as an analogy and visual representation of the business community’s willingness to compromise on negotiations for Senate Bill 5, versus the lack of compromise seen from labor during these conversations.
Ament ended by saying, “We, along with a statewide coalition of business and economic development organizations, are respectfully requesting the Governor to veto Senate Bill 5.” That call to action elicited applause from the audience.
The media panel highlighted some of the biggest issues for their readers from throughout the session as well, stressing that the state budget deficit, federal tariffs and regulations, and the increase in fees and costs for businesses were popular topics this session.
“The State of the State event is a powerful reflection of the Chamber’s influence during the legislative session, and it’s so crucial at a time where we’re seeing challenges to business friendliness take hold in Colorado,” said Vice President of External Affairs for HCA HealthONE and Chair of the DMCC Board, Maureen Tarrant. “Getting a clear, concise understanding of where businesses stand at the legislature is one of the greatest takeaways I get from this event. Thanks to strong partnerships with elected officials, engaged business leaders, and a consistent presence at the Capitol, our business community’s voice is not only heard — it’s respected.”
“C3 and the Denver Metro Chamber are arguably the best Chamber and membership organizations in the state,” said Manager of State Government Affairs at Xcel Energy, Michael Sapp, in a video played at the event. “Not only do they connect folks like myself… to legislators… they are collective in their membership, they’re deep in their policy… they’re all about moving the needle to help advance Colorado.”
See all the stances taken by the DMCC and C3 during the 2025 legislative session.
Support for the 2025 State of the State included Presenting Sponsor, Xcel Energy; Platinum Sponsor, Southwest Airlines; and Gold Sponsor, Flintco Construction.
About the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce (DMCC) is the architect of tomorrow, igniting change and driving progress to build dynamic economies and communities. We champion innovation, forge powerful partnerships, and relentlessly advocate for our members and all Coloradans. With more than 150 years of trust and impact, we help business flourish.
The DMCC’s vision is Economic Empowerment for Every Coloradan and is achieved by advocating for effective public policy, developing civic leaders, and driving a sustainable economy. We promote a vibrant economy by fostering a business-friendly environment, supporting a skilled workforce and facilitating connections. Dedicated to boosting business and employee opportunities, the Chamber drives sustainable growth and prosperity across Colorado.
About the Colorado Competitive Council (C3)
The Colorado Competitive Council (C3), a part of the Denver Metro Chamber family of organizations, provides direct lobbying and advocacy at the Colorado State Capitol and supports like-minded organizations that are dedicated to the mission of enhancing Colorado’s economy. For more information, go to coloradocompetes.org.