DENVER, CO, November 6, 2026 — The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce today congratulated Governor-elect Phil Weiser and Lieutenant Governor-elect Lesley Dahlkemper on their election and called on the incoming administration and the General Assembly to make restoring Colorado's economic competitiveness the top priority of the next four years.
"Congratulations to Governor-elect Weiser and Lieutenant Governor-elect Dahlkemper," said J. J. Ament, President and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. "Colorado is competing every day for jobs, talent and investment, and that competition has never been tougher. We look forward to working with the new administration to make Colorado the best place to start, grow and keep a business."
The Chamber also congratulated legislative leaders in both chambers: Senate President James Coleman, Senate Majority Leader-designate Dylan Roberts, Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson, Speaker-designate Jennifer Bacon, House Majority Leader-designate Javier Mabrey and House Minority Leader Jarvis Caldwell. The Chamber looks forward to working with legislative leaders in both parties to strengthen Colorado's economic competitiveness.
Voters also approved Amendment 87, replacing Colorado's flat income tax with a graduated system beginning in 2027. The Chamber opposed the measure because a $2.7 billion first-year tax increase will make it more expensive for Colorado employers to hire, invest and grow, and does place Colorado among the 10 highest income-tax states in the nation.
"Amendment 87 makes Colorado $2.7 billion more expensive in its first year," said Ament. "If we're raising the cost of government, then our product needs to be worth it. We're anxious to work with the new legislature and Governor to make sure taxpayers receive the promised value for this investment. Let’s implement measures that make us more competitive in quality infrastructure like roads, power, and technology; faster speed to market with permitting and regulatory reform; lower barriers to housing and condo construction so prices come down and families can afford to own a home. If we're going to be among the most expensive markets in the country, we need to be even more competitive in those other areas."
As Amendment 87 takes effect, the Chamber will press state leaders to reject any new taxes, fees or mandates that would pile on top of it and further erode Colorado's competitiveness. Furthermore, the Chamber will work to ensure that the new taxes raised by Amendment 87 are actually used for the purposes claimed by proponents during the campaign, and not transferred as a blank check to the General Fund.
The Chamber also took positions on other statewide and regional measures this year:
- Proposition 136 (supported) — The Chamber is disappointed that Proposition 136 did not pass. A 4.4% cap would have given small businesses, family farms and ranches the certainty they need to plan, hire and invest.
- Proposition NN (opposed) — The Chamber is disappointed that Proposition NN passed and will work with lawmakers to insist that new funds actually be used for teacher pay and smaller classrooms as the campaign promised, and not diverted as a blank check to the General Fund. We will also keep the focus on funding other pressing priorities, including roads and transportation infrastructure, with clear accountability for results and without new fees on Colorado businesses and families.
- Ballot Issue 7A (opposed) — Voters in the district approved Ballot Issue 7A. The Chamber hopes Front Range Passenger Rail leaders will now deliver the ridership they promised and implement performance measures and financial accountability that the businesses and residents paying this new permanent tax deserve.
- Proposition 132 (supported) — The Chamber applauds voters for approving Proposition 132. Stronger penalties for fentanyl crimes, with pathways to treatment and recovery, are an important step toward safe communities and a strong workforce.
- Amendment 82 (supported) — The Chamber is disappointed that Amendment 82 did not pass and will continue to advocate for energy policy that keeps reliable, affordable energy within reach for Colorado homes and businesses.
- Proposition 137 (supported) — The Chamber applauds voters for approving Proposition 137, dedicating about $175 million in existing sales-tax revenue to wildfire mitigation and conservation with no tax increase, a smart investment in Colorado's long-term economic resilience.
"Economic empowerment for every Coloradan starts with a competitive business climate," said Ament. "When Colorado is simpler to navigate, more affordable and more predictable, businesses of every size can invest, grow and create good-paying jobs. That's the standard the Chamber will hold every policy to: measurable results for jobs, affordability and long-term growth."
About the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce is the architect of tomorrow, igniting change and driving progress to build dynamic economies and communities. With more than 150 years of trust and impact, the Chamber advocates for effective public policy, develops civic leaders, and works to build a vibrant, business-friendly economy that creates opportunity for all Coloradans.
