• 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

• 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

The Chamber receives continuous requests from businesses for direct assistance and connection to service providers; businesses seek help with talent, compliance, marketing, funding and other business needs

There is a lack of free meeting spaces throughout Arvada for businesses, non-profits, and community groups to connect, learn and grow; the pandemic has made the problem worse as many previously open buildings are not currently open to the public