The flurry of the 2026 legislative session has passed – and with over 700 bills introduced this session, it was no small task to track, evaluate, and advocate where it mattered most. The Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce came out of this session with several wins, not only in our policy and advocacy work on behalf of members and local businesses, but also in how we operate, organize, and engage as an organization. The result was not just a strong voice for Arvada businesses and engagement with elected officials at the state level – but a sharper, engaged, and responsive Chamber.
Here is a look back at the wins that shaped this session, both those our members saw and those happening behind the scenes.
1. Positions on 30 Bills in All Policy Priority Areas
The Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce took positions on 30 bills across our 2026 Policy Priority Areas, including business regulation, childcare, housing, and workforce and education. Of the 30 bills, the Chamber took a position of support or oppose on 27 bills. Following the session, the Chamber was aligned with the overall outcome of 19 bills this session. You can learn more about what passed and failed and what it means for your business here.
2. Business Engagement in Advocacy
The Chamber was able to hear directly from members on possible impacts of proposed legislation more proactively this session. In March, Representative Lisa Feret asked for feedback from the Chamber membership on HB26-1130: Public Restroom Baby Diaper Changing Station and the impact this proposed regulation would have on local businesses. With 53 respondents sharing more on the possible consequences of this proposed legislation, the Chamber was able to share direct stories of impact with Representative Feret and other members of the Jefferson County delegation. This bill was ultimately vetoed by the Governor.
In total, the Chamber was able to get direct feedback from 37 additional local businesses on various Advocacy Flash Polls to inform policy decisions and bill positions for both SB26-134: Payment Card Networks’ Fees and SB26-146: Single-Use Food Serviceware Distribution. In total, the Chamber heard from 90 respondents representing local businesses about policies and impacts that matter most. This helped the Chamber ensure that it was truly representing the voice and concerns of local businesses at the state-level.
3. 2026 Impression of Session
In June, the Greater Arvada Chamber hosted its annual Impression of Session: A Legislative Review & Business Impact where over 40 business leaders heard a presentation from Parker White, Director of Colorado Competitive Council, on key policy outcomes from the 2026 legislative session, and what it could mean for businesses at the local level. Attendees were then able to connect directly with legislators on their policy priorities during interactive roundtable discussions. Businesses were able to connect with Representative Lisa Feret (District 24), Representative Sheila Lieder (District 28), Representative Rebekah Stewart (District 30), Representative Brianna Titone (District 27), Senator Scott Bright (District 13), and Senator Lisa Cutter (District 20). Legislators were able to share more about their policy priorities this session, and businesses were able to ask questions and share more about their experiences.
4. Improving Process and Efficiency
The Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce and Advocacy KAPS reviewed their legislative session process this year and made key changes to improve organization, efficiency, communication, and decision-making.
This session, the Advocacy KAPS developed a new process:
- The Chamber’s Lobbyist would send recommendations of bills to discuss the week before the meeting
- Policy briefs of proposed bills would be developed for the Advocacy KAPS that included:
- The bill name and number
- Sponsors of the bill
- An overview of the bill and possible impacts on businesses
- Advocacy partner positions on the bill
- A dedicated committee took on the task of reviewing and prioritizing which bills to bring forward, helping to keep meeting discussions focused
- All KAPS members would receive the policy brief at least 48 hours before the meeting to have a chance to review
Together, these changes streamlined the Advocacy process, equipped KAPS with the information they needed, and gave the group a strong foundation for making collective decisions in real time. The result: the Advocacy KAPS took positions on a record 30 bills this session!
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