Advocacy 2024

ADVOCACY

JeffCo EDC employs an active group of investors on its Government Affairs Committee (GAC). Charged with following and advocating for policy that enhances the economic wellbeing of our community – the GAC works with our lobbyist on drafting, amending, and positioning our voice around state, local, and federal tables. While most of our work is centered on the state legislative session, we do follow policy at all levels.

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KEY

PASSED
DID NOT PASS
PASSED WITH AMMENDMENTS
SUPPORT
OPPOSE
HB24-1107: Judicial Review of Local Land Use Decision

In instances where land use cases are escalated to court processes, we believe accountability is a two-way street and the prevailing defendants should have the right to recoup the expenses created in the process.

SUPPORT PASSED

HB24-1160: Economic Development Organization Action Grant Program 

As an EDO who received funding from the pilot program, we know firsthand how this benefits not only the organization but the community at large. Creating opportunities to increase capacity and build programs through this program are a great benefit to all communities.

SUPPORT DID NOT PASS

HB24-1172: County Revitalization Authorities 

Opening up the tools and resources available through these authorities will provide a needed boost to the many unincorporated areas of Jefferson County – providing a better path forward for redevelopment.

SUPPORT PASSED

HB24-1235: Reduce Aviation Impacts on Communities (if amended)

Aviation and our airport are great assets to Jefferson County. We also support incentivizing fuel and technology transitions in the industry. The majority of this bill we are in full support of, but we have some much-needed amendments in Section 8 and some in section 9. An understanding of FAA vs local authority and subjective notions on density, noise – concern us. Note 3/7: We are pleased with the amendments / changes made at a House committee level.

SUPPORT PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS

HB24-1340: Incentives for Post-Secondary Education

We believe workforce is essential to Colorado’s continued economic success. This legislation incentives individuals to pursue the trades in higher demand and we support that.

SUPPORT PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS

HB24-1364: Education-Based Workforce Readiness

We believe there are some critical first steps in this bill to address the workforce needs of the future.

SUPPORT PASSED

HB24-1365: Opportunity Now Grants & Tax Credit

Another part of the Governor’s workforce package, we are in full support as we work to respond to the workforce needs of the future. Specifically, the continuation of Opportunity Grants and the training tax credits add the right kind of package to encourage the development of our talent.

SUPPORT PASSED

HB24-1439: Financial Incentives Expand Apprenticeship Programs

A continued nod to the importance of apprenticeships to crafting our talent of the future.

SUPPORT PASSED

SB24-085: Sales & Use Tax Rebate for Digital Asset Purchases

Data centers are a growing economic sector and this bill will help Colorado be a more competitive option to land these projects.

SUPPORT DID NOT PASS

SB24-104: Career & Technical Education & Apprenticeships

Talent is the number one driver of any economy. The ability for our residents to qualify for these job is essential to that talent equation. We support this bill that works to connect our people with opportunities.

SUPPORT PASSED

SB24-106: Right to Remedy Construction Defects

One of the biggest barriers to affordable housing has been the missing product of condos. We support this bill in moving the needle to bring this product back to Colorado.

SUPPORT DID NOT PASS

HB24-1008: Wage Claims Construction Industry Contractors

We do not want wage theft and want those who do it, punished. However, extending responsibility from a sub-contractor to a general contractor is neither fair nor practical. Construction is being targeted in a way that is supported by the data and we feel that, while well intended, this is not the answer.

OPPOSE PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS

HB24-1014: Deceptive Trade Practice Significant Impact Standard

Much like our position on this topic in the past, we feel this adds a disproportionate burden on the construction industry without the data to support the “why.” Opening up the avenue for more frivolous lawsuits does not meet intent or purpose of the core issue.

OPPOSE DID NOT PASS

HB24-1098: Cause Required for Eviction of Residential Tenant

Much like our position last year on this topic, we continue to introduce bills that are counter intuitive to affordable housing goals. Stifling the rights of a property owner, while driving up the underwriting costs, negatively impacts the end user (renters) when it all shakes out.

OPPOSE PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS

HB24-1177: County Commissioner Elections

While in principle, we do not mind this topic and conversation, we feel that each county should be able to decide for itself, with its residents. State imposing this just does not sit well. The Jeffco residents have repeatedly said no to this and we want to respect that vote of our people as part of a healthy process.

OPPOSE DID NOT PASS

HB24-1230: Protections for Real Property Owners

Construction defects have long been one of the largest barriers to housing choices in Colorado. Expansion and extensions of those policies are ill advised and counter to the Governors, Mayors, and general populous goals around housing.

OPPOSE DID NOT PASS

HB24-1330: Air Quality Permitting

Another targeted bill that adds more bureaucracy where it is not needed.

OPPOSE DID NOT PASS

HB24-1339: Disproportionately Impact Community Air Pollution

Walking back thoughtful and diligent rulemaking that had the right constituents around the table is bad precedent and ill advised. We should be working together on common goals.

OPPOSE DID NOT PASS

SB24-150: Processing of Municipal Solid Waste

A bill that largely did not involve us early on has suddenly had amendments added that impact the economic competitiveness of Colorado in many primary employers. These last minute adds are a classic bait and switch and should be eliminated or else the bill should be dismissed quickly.

OPPOSE PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS

SB24-159: Mod to Energy & Carbon Management Processes

The oil and gas industry is essential to not only Colorado, but our country. The barriers and elimination of these natural fuels will not only hinder our economy but run counter to most of our energy transition goals.

OPPOSE DID NOT PASS

SB24-165: Air Quality Improvements

Of the many issues in this bill, the second attempt to limiting individuals ability to drive themselves is very concerning. Adding that burden into a study is ill advised.

OPPOSE DID NOT PASS

SB24-166: Air Quality Enforcement

This expansion of state agency and targeted impact is bad precedent.

OPPOSE DID NOT PASS

HB24-1083: Construction Professional Insurance Coverage Transparency

MONITOR

HB24-1125: Tax Credit Commercial Building Conversion

MONITOR

HB24-1151: Disclose Mandatory Fees in Advertisements 

MONITOR

HB24-1152: Accessory Dwelling Units 

MONITOR

HB24-1175: Local Governments Rights to Property for Affordable Housing 

MONITOR

HB24-1313: Housing in Transit-Oriented Communities

MONITOR

SB24-143: Credential Quality Apprenticeship Classification

MONITOR

HB24-1379: Regulate Dredge & Fill Activities in State Waters

MONITOR

SB24-194: Special District Emergency Services Funding

MONITOR

HB24-205: Consumer Protections for Artificial Intelligence

MONITOR

ARCHIVES: 2023 2022