Community Impact Forum: Ballots and Breakfast

On October 15, 2021, the Arvada Chamber of Commerce hosted Ballots and Breakfast, a forum that looked at various questions on this year’s ballot, including: Arvada City Charter Amendments, Proposition 119 (Learning Enrichment and Academic Progress), Proposition 120 (Property Tax Assessment Rate Reduction), and School Board Candidates. Election day is November 2, 2021.

Thank you to the moderator, Jim Siedlecki, Deputy County Manager at Adams County Government. Below, find more information on the ballot issues, a video recording of the event and additional resources.

Arvada City Charter Amendments

The Arvada City Charter describes the powers and essential functions of our local government. Essentially, the Charter is the City of Arvada’s Constitution. A review of the City Charter is performed every ten years to ensure it evolves to meet the needs of the community. Changes to the City Charter can only be made by a vote of Arvada citizens.

Read more information about each of the four Charter amendments at www.arvadacharter.com.

Proposition 119 (Learning Enrichment and Academic Progress)

Proposition 119 would create the Learning Enrichment and Academic Progress Program, also known as the LEAP Program. Eligible children would include children at least five years of age and no older than 17 years who are eligible for admission to Colorado public schools. LEAP provides a credit of up to $1,500 per student each year for out-of-school learning, with priority given to kids from low-income households. The out-of-school services would include tutoring in core subject areas, enrichment opportunities including music, dance, and art programs, instruction in English and foreign languages, and career and technical training.

The measure would increase the marijuana retail sales tax incrementally from 15% to 20% to partially fund the program. Read more about Proposition 119, including proponent and opposition arguments here.

The Arvada Chamber of Commerce is not compelled to endorse a position on Proposition 119 given the Chamber cannot support a tax increase on business nor be against measures that create additional education opportunities.

Proposition 120 (Property Tax Assessment Rate Reduction)

Proposition 120 was designed to reduce, beginning on January 1, 2022, the residential and non-residential property tax rates. The residential property tax assessment rate would be reduced from 7.15% to 6.5% and the non-residential property tax assessment rate would be reduced from 29% to 26.4%. While property taxes are not collected by the state, the measure allows the state to retain and spend up to $25 million per year above the TABOR limit to reimburse local governments for revenue they will lose from this reduction for five years.

Read more about Proposition 120, including proponent and opposition arguments here.

The Arvada Chamber of Commerce is not compelled to endorse a position on Proposition 120 given the non-residential tax reduction would only apply to lodging properties, of which there are few in Arvada.