Colorado legislative leaders outlined their priorities for the 2026 session at the Business Legislative Preview, hosted by the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce (DMCC) and the Colorado Competitive Council (C3). The event featured a bipartisan panel with Senate President James Coleman, Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson, House Speaker Julie McCluskie, and House Minority Leader Jarvis Caldwell. The discussion addressed economic pressures facing Colorado businesses and families, including budget constraints, regulatory growth, energy reliability, healthcare affordability, housing, and workforce development.
The Metro Denver Economic Development Organization presented its 2026 Toward a More Competitive Colorado (TMCC) report during the event. The report evaluated Colorado’s performance across 38 economic indicators. It found that while Colorado is strong in innovation and workforce skills, challenges remain in infrastructure and affordability. The report emphasized that decisions made in the upcoming legislative session will influence whether opportunities expand statewide or existing pressures worsen.
“This year the stakes are high,” said Leslie Oliver, Vice President of External Affairs for DMCC. “Colorado faces an $850 million budget shortfall—closing that gap must not close doors on jobs and growth, we have ambitious sustainable energy goals… and we have the opportunity to review critical regulatory frameworks, so we must be mindful of the actual impact and cost of compliance and regulations…”
Budget issues were central to the discussion. Legislative leaders noted that choices about spending would affect economic growth and job creation. Senator Coleman commented on the difficulty ahead: “this year our budget solutions have to be about cuts… Colorado families unfortunately will feel the impact.” Speaker McCluskie spoke about fiscal policy: “we have to not be fearful to talk about modernizing our current fiscal policy.” She clarified she does not want to eliminate TABOR but sees a need for more effective government spending controls: “We just need to [think about government spending controls] in a more effective way that matches our constituents’ priorities.”
Panelists also discussed regulatory burdens affecting business competitiveness. TMCC findings indicated a decline in tax and regulatory competitiveness for Colorado. Lawmakers expressed willingness to review rules that may add costs without clear benefits. Oliver stated: “Colorado must remain a place where businesses can grow and invest. Smart, predictable, and practical regulation helps employers focus on innovation, workforce development, and serving their communities—rather than navigating unnecessary complexity.”
Energy reliability was another focus as lawmakers debated how best to balance clean energy targets with affordable power for residents and businesses. Representative Caldwell shared concerns from his work with Colorado Springs Utilities: “We agree with your goals,” said Representative Caldwell, “but we just need a little more time because we’re worried about the affordability and the reliability.” Senator Simpson added: “There’s a distinction between goals and mandates.” He noted that although Colorado has strong resources, it is not yet ready to meet all clean energy targets.
Healthcare costs, housing affordability, and workforce needs were also highlighted as key barriers identified in the TMCC report. Legislators described ongoing efforts to manage health insurance premiums, increase affordable housing options, improve transportation access, and strengthen education-to-employment pipelines.
Senator Simpson observed limited progress on housing: “It doesn’t feel like we’re making significant movement and change in that space.” Speaker McCluskie pointed out some improvement along the Western Slope but cautioned patience due to high costs: “patience may be a virtue for all of us right now to hold onto.” Senator Coleman affirmed continued partnership with businesses on affordable housing projects: “Our commitment is we continue to work with [businesses] as partners to find more ways for affordable housing projects.”
“These challenges are deeply interconnected,” Oliver said. “When costs rise faster than wages and businesses can’t find or retain workers, it impacts the entire state economy.”
DMCC President and CEO J. J. Ament closed by emphasizing unity through economic empowerment: “Political unity really isn’t about agreeing about everything,” said Ament. “Certainly at the Chamber it’s about Economic Empowerment for every Coloradan.”
For further details on DMCC’s positions this session or access to the full TMCC report on Colorado’s economy visit their website.
