B.O.L.D. 2026
Advocacy
B.O.L.D. 2026 (BOLD – Big Opportunities for Leaders to Deliver) is a five-year regional economic strength and resiliency initiative of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber developed BOLD 2026 in consultation with private and public sector leaders and partners in Arvada, Jefferson / Adams Counties, Metro Denver and the state of Colorado.
Our Goal
Strengthen the business environment to ensure economic opportunity for all.
Advocacy Summary
We will ensure elected leaders who effectively represent business interests in legislative and policy matters at the local, regional, state and national levels.
B.O.L.D. 2026 – Advocacy
Challenges
Government-imposed financial and regulatory burdens.
- State policy decisions have created costly, labor-intensive challenges for businesses as they work to comply; recently passed legislation includes: Paid Family Leave (Prop 118); Energy Performance for Buildings (HB21-1286); Insurance Premium Property Sales Severance Tax (HB21-1312); and increasing the minimum wage standard across the state
- In its 2021 “Top States for Business” ranking, CNBC rated Colorado relatively high overall, BUT in the:
- “Business Friendly” category, CNBC ranked CO #29 and gave the state a grade of “C”
- “Cost of Doing Business” category, CNBC ranked CO #38 and gave the state a grade of “D+”
- In 2021, the Arvada Chamber opposed 61% (11/18) of business regulation bills because of their inevitable negative impact on business
- Candidates and elected officials (at all levels of government) do not have the information they need to have a full view of the implications for business of various policy and legislative decisions
Opposition to growth.
- Coordinated citizen opposition has created an environment that will be recognized as anti-business by developers and business prospects
- Frequent lack of pro-business voice in community growth conversations and public meetings
Our Work
Catalyze a coordinated regional approach to improve our business environment through advocacy
- Advocacy KAPS Council
- Jefferson County Business Lobby
- Champions Program
Increase policy leader engagement with the business community
- Meet your local elected officials (Coming Soon!)
- Advocacy After Hours
- 2023 Candidate Bootcamp
Monitor and Influence Local and State Policy Decisions that impact businesses and our economy
Updates and Resources
2023 Colorado Session: 17 Bills Your Business Should Know About
By Kylie Parks, Arvada Chamber Director of Talent Pipeline Development This year’s legislative session saw over 600 bills introduced at the Colorado state capitol. Through the Advocacy KAPS Council, the Jefferson County Business Lobby (JCBL), and consistent outreach...
2023 Advocacy Scorecard
Every year, hundreds of policy changes are proposed that will impact the health of Arvada businesses. Through the Advocacy KAPS Council, the Jefferson County Business Lobby (JCBL), and consistent outreach to elected officials at all levels of government, the Arvada...
JCBL Legislative Update | May 16, 2023
By Jeff Weist, Jefferson County Business Lobby The 74th General Assembly came to an end with a bang, putting an exclamation point on a session full of legislation with impacts to our businesses and communities. The Jefferson County Business Lobby (JCBL) — the united...
B.O.L.D. 2026 Goals
1
Grow Your Talent
Grow our talent to meet the needs of employers and job seekers.
2
Increase Stock of Workforce Housing
Increase the stock of workforce housing to ensure workers can attain housing within reasonable proximity to their jobs.
3
Increase Childcare Capacity
Increase Childcare Capacity to enable caregivers to join / rejoin the workforce and give children the quality early learning experience they need to thrive.
4
Strengthen Business Environment: Advocacy
Ensure elected leaders effectively represent business interests in legislative and policy matters at the local, regional, state and national levels.
5
Strengthen Business Environment: Entrepreneurship
Increase our ability to provide direct one-on-one support and broader collective resources to all businesses.
B.O.L.D. 2026 Initiative Brochure