When it comes to how we work at the Capitol, we don’t walk or even jog—we sprint. And, in these last few weeks of the legislative session (Can you believe it’s almost May 6?) there has been a lot going on.
Here are three things we’re working hard on:
Changes in the neighborhood. If you’ve ever driven past an abandoned, blighted building and thought about what it could be—and how that improvement could change your neighborhood, or even better yet, you’ve seen such a transformation in your community—then you understand the power of urban renewal projects. We’re a huge proponent of them, too, because they bring new life, new opportunities and new energy to urban areas that wouldn’t otherwise invite such investment. Almost every year someone challenges this highly valuable tool used by local government. This year, House Bill 1348 mandates requirements and processes that will harm the ability of local communities to determine what is best, which is why we’re opposing this bill. We do support providing counties, special districts and school districts a voice in these processes to ensure all local government is helping guide these deals for the benefit of their residents. Each urban renewal project is incredibly unique, and what leads to their success is working together and having flexibility to find the right solutions.
A new house for housing. We want to applaud the Senate for advancing the bill to address the lack affordable condominiums in the region. We’ve worked closely with legislators to hear their concerns, address changes and bring other bills forward to find a robust solution to this tight entry-level housing market. And as this bill moves to the House, we’re encouraging our legislators to hear this issue. Click here to let your legislator know you support affordable housing and the passage of Senate Bill 177.
An enterprising solution. Today we again expressed support for shifting the Hospital Provider Fee to an enterprise fund. We’re in agreement with Gov. John Hickenlooper that provider fee dollars—those assessed to hospitals and used as a match for federal funding—should be appropriately accounted for in a separate fund, and not counted as general revenue, so that we can better align with and honor the TABOR cap formula approved by voters. We’ll keep you up to date on new developments on this issue.
With only three weeks left in the session, things are moving fast at the legislature. We are getting down to the wire and these are real issues that affect all our lives and our businesses. Help ensure our legislators know how strongly we feel about them.
Kelly Brough is the president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.
[Photo by Amy Aletheia Cahill]
