Welcome to What’s Your Agenda?, Colorado Politics’ weekly publication of trade association priorities for the state’s 2024 legislative session. 

The Colorado Chamber of Commerce is a Denver-based private non-profit business association. Established in 1965, its mission is to improve the business climate for organizations of all sizes across the state. 

“Colorado is one of the most desirable places to live in the country, but our competitive advantage is slipping,” said President and CEO Loren Furman. “We can’t afford to get complacent. The Colorado Chamber’s goal is to make our state a national example for good business. We want to promote job creation and growth for decades to come, and this legislative agenda is one of the first steps in getting us back on track.”

In the organization’s own words, here are the Colorado Chamber of Commerce’s top legislative priorities for the remainder of the session.

No. 1: Regulatory Climate

• Align state and federal environmental regulations 

• Support choice in energy consumption and appliances 

• Support employee autonomy in commuting to work 

• Allow businesses to innovate and lead on environmental sustainability 

• Ensure new and existing environmental regulations are cost effective and science-based 

• Educate lawmakers on regulatory impact 

No. 2: Building the Workforce of the Future

• Support legislation to improve regional talent development goals and action plans 

• Improve workforce data collection and transparency

• Ensure education providers are focused on the skills employers need 

• Streamline and incentivize employer participation in career connected learning opportunities

• Realign the pathways offered in schools with the needs of employers

No. 3: Cost of Living and Competitiveness 

• Support policies to increase housing in Colorado

• Oppose efforts limiting housing supply or increasing costs

• Identify long-term solutions to property tax structure 

• Improve access and affordability of childcare

• Support the reduction and eventual phase-out of the Business Personal Property Tax

No. 4: Tech Innovation and Economic Growth 

• Support policies that ensure Colorado’s technology sector continues to grow

• Develop a regulatory roadmap for responsible deployment of artificial intelligence

• Promote safe online environment for children

Monitor new policies that address Colorado’s Delivery Network and Transportation Network Company platforms

• Assess and propose ways to streamline the security clearance process