B.O.L.D. 2026 | Q2 2026 Outcomes

B.O.L.D. 2026 is a five-year regional economic strength and resiliency initiative of the Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce. B.O.L.D. 2026 includes four mutually supporting goals that tackle challenges impacting businesses and employees around talent development, housing, childcare capacity, and the business environment. Each quarter, the Chamber will provide this update on initiative outcomes for investors, members, and the community.

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Thank you to our 2026 Talent Network sponsor, Payroll Vault – Arvada – North Metro Denver! Sign up to join this network to receive updates and program invites at arvadachamber.org/Networks.

• In April, the Chamber, in collaboration with Workforce Colorado and the Metro-West Advanced Manufacturing Alliance, released messaging, flyers and best practice guides to elevate interest in the advanced manufacturing industry.
  
• In May, the Chamber released a new resource, the Employer Guide to Work-Based Learning Talent Providers, which helps you quickly identify the education and training partners to reach out to based on your priorities, needs, and capacity.

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Thank you to our 2026 Housing Network sponsor, Cardel Homes! Sign up to join this network to receive updates and program invites at arvadachamber.org/Networks.

• In April, the Greater Arvada Chamber elevated the business community’s voice in a significant local housing decision by advocating for the proposed Welby Gardens housing development. The Chamber mobilized business leaders to provide both written and in-person public testimony, highlighting the critical role workforce housing plays in helping Arvada employers attract and retain talent while reinforcing the Chamber’s commitment to advancing housing solutions that support the local economy.
  
• In May, the Greater Arvada Chamber helped engage local businesses in conversations about the future of development in Arvada. As the City of Arvada and DRCOG explored redevelopment opportunities in seven key commercial areas, the Chamber raised awareness of the initiative and encouraged businesses to participate in virtual discussions, ensuring the business community had an opportunity to share its perspectives and help shape future plans.
  
• The Greater Arvada Chamber was featured in Golden United’s video series, “When Housing Breaks Business Breaks” video series. The series features community leaders discussing how essential workers are impacted by housing, why it’s important to have the opportunity to live near work, and how partnership plays a key role in solving the housing crisis.

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Thank you to our Childcare Network sponsor, Jovie! Sign up to join this network to receive updates and program invites at arvadachamber.org/Networks.

• In June, the Greater Arvada Chamber convened home-based and center-based child care providers for collaborative discussions focused on substitute staffing solutions. By facilitating peer learning and the exchange of practical strategies, the Chamber helped identify approaches to strengthen the child care workforce, expand provider capacity, and improve access to care for working families.
  
• In June, the Greater Arvada Chamber continued raising awareness of workforce challenges through the Arvada Business Today podcast, featuring a conversation with RB Fast of Westwood Academy on the true cost of child care. The episode explored the economic and regulatory factors affecting providers while highlighting why access to affordable, high-quality child care is a critical business and workforce issue.
  
• The Greater Arvada Chamber was awarded a $20,000 grant through the Child Care Access Alliance to research and address local childcare challenges in Jefferson County. The Chamber was one of seven Colorado chambers selected for the statewide initiative led by the Colorado Chamber Foundation, Gary Community Ventures, and Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC).
  

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Thank you to our Advocacy Network sponsor, Republic Services! Sign up to join this network to receive updates and program invites at arvadachamber.org/Networks.

• More than 180 business and community leaders attended the annual State of the City on April 10, 2026, where Mayor Pro Tem Randy Moorman, delivering the address on behalf of Mayor Lauren Simpson, reflected on Arvada’s progress and outlined priorities for the year ahead.
  
• The Greater Arvada Chamber hosted the 2026 National Civics Bee® regional competition, bringing together 16 middle school students from across the Arvada area to showcase their civic knowledge and present solutions to real community challenges. Held in partnership with the Colorado Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Daniels Fund, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the event celebrated civic engagement, critical thinking, and the next generation of community leaders, with the top three finalists advancing to the Colorado State Civics Bee competition.
  
• The Chamber released Episode 2 of the Arvada Business Today podcast, “Under the Dome: Decisions That Shape Your Business,” featuring contract lobbyist Jeff Weist. Drawing on nearly two decades of government relations experience, Jeff shared insights into the 2026 legislative session, explained how state policy impacts local businesses, and offered practical guidance on how business leaders can engage in the policymaking process and advocate effectively.
  
• Greater Arvada Chamber leadership and three Board members traveled to Washington, D.C. in June to represent the Arvada business community during four days of federal advocacy and relationship building. Alongside chamber leaders from across Colorado, the delegation met with members of Colorado’s congressional delegation, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce policy team, and national business leaders to discuss the federal policies shaping Arvada’s economy and strengthen relationships that support local businesses.
  
• More than 40 business leaders attended the Chamber’s annual Impression of Session: A Legislative Review & Business Impact, gaining insights into the outcomes of the 2026 legislative session and their implications for Colorado businesses. The program featured a policy briefing from Parker White, Director of the Colorado Competitive Council, followed by interactive roundtable discussions where attendees engaged directly with six state legislators to discuss business priorities and the future of Colorado policy.
  
• The Chamber published a comprehensive recap of the 2026 legislative session, breaking down what the year’s more than 700 introduced bills mean for local businesses. The article highlights the Chamber’s advocacy on 30 priority bills, explains which measures passed or failed, and provides members with practical insights into how new state policies may impact their operations and the broader business climate.
  
• The Greater Arvada Chamber, through its Local Issues Review Team, brought together City of Arvada leaders and local businesses to identify opportunities for improving the permitting process. By facilitating collaborative discussions, the Chamber helped surface business concerns, strengthen communication between stakeholders, and advance solutions aimed at creating a more transparent, predictable, and efficient permitting experience for the business community.
  
• The Greater Arvada Chamber worked to create more direct and timely channels for business leaders to share feedback with state legislators on the potential impacts of proposed legislation. By connecting policymakers with real-world business perspectives, the Chamber helped ensure that decisions made at the Capitol are informed by the experiences of local employers
  
• The Greater Arvada Chamber published its 2026 Advocacy Report Card and Bill Tracker, providing members with a transparent look at the Chamber’s legislative priorities, positions, and outcomes. During the 2026 session, the Chamber took positions on a record 30 bills across its four policy priority areas, demonstrating a strong commitment to advocating for a competitive business climate and tracking the impact of its policy efforts.
  
  
  

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Thank you to our 2026 Entrepreneurship Network sponsor, Hoot App! Sign up to join this network to receive updates and program invites at arvadachamber.org/Networks.

• In April, the Greater Arvada Chamber launched Arvada Business Today, a new podcast delivering practical business insights in a concise format designed to fit the average 21-minute commute of Arvada professionals. Featuring conversations with business leaders, policymakers, and community partners, the podcast explores workforce trends, leadership, public policy, innovation, and economic development, providing listeners with actionable ideas that support business growth and strengthen the local economy.
  
• In May, thirteen business leaders completed the Chamber’s AI for Business Deep Dive, a three-part bootcamp designed to help small businesses move beyond AI experimentation to real-world implementation.
  
• The Greater Arvada Chamber launched a new series of regional roundtable discussions to bring together brick-and-mortar business owners from different areas of Arvada. These conversations create a forum for businesses to identify shared challenges, discuss opportunities unique to their neighborhoods, and help shape localized strategies that strengthen commercial districts, improve collaboration, and inform future Chamber advocacy and initiatives.
  
• In Q2, the Chamber’s Business Resource Center supported local business growth by engaging more than 80 attendees through educational programs and providing over 24 one-on-one meetings with entrepreneurs. Through personalized guidance, expert resources, and practical training, the Business Resource Center helped business owners overcome challenges, identify growth opportunities, and build stronger, more resilient businesses.

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